Seniors at last!

Class of 1997 celebrates achievingClass of 1997 celebrates achievingseniorhood with Hey Day festivities Even murky skies and raindrops were not able to dampen the Class of 1997's Hey Day festivities last Friday. The juniors ruled the day that would end in their becoming seniors -- officially beginning the festivities at noon with a picnic on Hill Field. Eating, talking and dancing brought the class together for the first time since its Convocation in 1993. The class's most common activity -- other than chewing on styrofoam -- seemed to be chasing their wind-blown hats. Although many proclaimed the event a great success, some complained about the presence of Liquor Control and Enforcement Bureau agents. "The secret to a great Hey Day is wearing extra, extra-large shirts," College junior Mike Fieldstone said, as he hid a water bottle filled with an unidentified substance. The event's organizer, College junior Jason Brenner said he was extremely pleased with the day's success. "Hey Day sort of has a way of planning itself," said Brenner, a Daily Pennsylvanian columnist. "I've planned some activities and I wasn't sure if students would attend them. Hey Day doesn't have that problem." At 3 p.m., the mostly-inebriated crowd managed to arrange themselves into a line for the traditional march down Locust Walk. The boisterous crowd trampled across Locust Walk, making their way through Lower Quad and onto junior balcony as they swung their wooden canes in the air. After pausing a little while to rest, the mass moved back onto Locust Walk -- this time travelling to College Green. The class assembled on the Green and waited impatiently for University President Judith Rodin to make her appearance. "You had an absolutely incredible three years," Rodin said. "I know that next year is going to be the best year for both you and Penn." After these words, Rodin proclaimed the Class of 1997 seniors. Next up at the podium was the Senior Class President Neil Sheth. After coaxing Rodin to take a bite out of his hat, Sheth announced that the class "has a great year coming up."