by Malia Bates

Welcome to the Zoo! Senior’s rampaged on the quad this morning dressed in a variety of animal costumes ranging from an all green and fierce turtle to a pair of dancing chipmunks ready to pounce on the incoming freshman entering the quad. And so, the hazing began. Gorillas and chipmunks led a stretching exercise while bears and penguins piggybacked on the freshmen’s backs.  Cheetahs, koalas and more covered the freshman with sharpie drawings and stickers as they made their way through the school and into the gym.

They were welcomed by the Dean of Students Tony Lapolla and Academic Dean John Schafer, both who dressed for the occasion. To continue the welcoming of the freshmen class, the seniors organized a relay race for the whole school to compete in, animal style. This race ended in yet another victory for the senior’s.  The relay consisted of hectic balloon popping, banana eating, and running across the gym outfitted in oversized overalls and a safari hats. The freshmen started the day well by coming in second place in the relay race. And so, the school day began, marking another great start to an eventful year at Menlo.