With the 2017-2018 school year off to a bustling start, the Class of 2018 is particularly excited. Rumors fly among the seniors as they eagerly await the announcement of the theme for the upcoming Senior 200s event.

As one of the most favored senior year traditions here at Loyola, the Senior 50s—so called for marking down every 50 days until graduation—always arrive with much anticipation amongst class members ready to let loose and celebrate big milestones.

“It’s great for us all to be able to get together and have fun as a class a few more times before we’re all off to different things,” James Nemia ’18 said..

It’s a party for seniors, by seniors, who get together and dress in funky costumes based on the party’s theme, enjoy music, dancing, food, drinks, and good vibes  all around.

“We’re all back together with people, some who we might’ve not been with since freshman year,” Connor Gloth ’18 said.

Nicole Lambariello ’18 calls the celebration a “bonding night for seniors only” that lets seniors get together and “go out with a bang.”

The Senior 250s event took place on Sept. 15 in Reitz Arena and featured the theme of dynamic duos and groups, encouraging seniors to dress up as their favorite team or partnership, and there was certainly no shortage of fun. Everyone from the Super Mario Bros., to Harry Potter and Voldemort was in attendance.

It was an event that that Senior Class President Nick Palazzolo called “the most heavily attended senior countdown event. Ever.”

“Past years saw attendance of about 45-50 percent. [Our] 250s saw roughly 75 percent of the class of 2018 in attendance,” Palazzolo said.

According to Palazzolo, the high attendance is good because the more seniors that attend, the more budget they have to make the next event even better.

And quite an event it will be, as Palazzolo was proud to announce the theme of the next event as Senior 200’s: America .

It will be, as Palazzolo describes it, an event to “celebrate America” and “show pride for your country” in whichever way you feel best.

The choices are endless, from sports, to apple pie, to cowboys, to Bruce Springsteen, and anything in between that you think represents something America!

Some may remember a controversy last fall during last year’s America-themed event where there were concerns of divisive politics interrupting festivities. “I’m looking to plan parties, not to get political,” Palazzolo said. “We’re going to celebrate America and have a great party!”

SGA is committed to making this a very memorable event, with hopes of improving on the successes of 250s. They look to cultivate the event more, while emphasizing what seniors want based on engagement from seniors. More food and beverages will be provided, in response to shortages last time. Surveys for food and other festivities going out to the senior class in the coming weeks.

Senior 200s will feature more audience participation and crowd engagement, as well as more giveaways and activities to keep the excitement going all night. SGA is also looking for a student DJ willing to DJ and MC the event.

The event is regarded as being the ultimate way to close off the fall semester before finals by bringing seniors together for a fun and exciting America themed bash. As Amy Swartz ’18 aptly puts it, “We’re reunited and it feels so good.”

“Senior 200s: America” will take place Friday, Dec. 1 from 8-11 p.m. in McGuire Hall. Tickets go on sale at the Box Office before the party begins.