The Midway has been able to celebrate many special U-High traditions over the past century, some of which are still familiar today:

1. Bazaarnival: The Bazaarnival, which has become the Holiday Book Fair and Bazaar, has existed since before 1965. On April 9, 1964, the Midway reported that that year’s Bazaarnival included “royalty” and a discotheque as well as fundraising opportunities.
2. Rites of May: U-High has celebrated Rites of May for 55 consecutive years, after the inagural Rites of May started as a “Shakespeare Faire.” Celebrations have varied over the years, including bounce houses and even including an outdoor play in 1998, as reported in the May 12 edition.
3. May Project: For seniors, the option to do May Projects has been around for more than 50 years. The Midway has covered May Projects, which have grown in popularity from the 53% participating according to the May 9, 1972, newspaper to nearly every senior participating today, even as topics and scope have changed.
4. Sophomore Retreat: The tradition of sophomores retreating to do service has not changed that much over the years. The Sept. 5, 2006, edition reports that the sophomore retreat took place in Wisconsin and involved similar acts of service, as it did in 2024.
5. Arts Week/ArtsFest: Arts Week, which has been shortened to the one-day ArtsFest, has continued to be held annually in February. Arts Week began in 1967, and in 1972, Arts Week involved competition for individual pieces of art alongside activities.
6. Exchange Trips: Exchange trips have been common for U-High language students. Trips have previously been held to South America, parts of Africa and Russia. French, German and Spanish trips were also held during the 1960s.
7. Labstock: Labstock has been an annual year-end celebration for a long time. The June 3, 2008, edition reports that students celebrated with a barbecue alongside the characteristic live music.
8. Student Experimental Theatre (SET): The tradition of multiple yearly plays has been in U-High for more than 30 years, but the Student Experimental Theatre, which features a student-designed play has been around at least since 1997.
9. Kids Lunar New Year Celebration: Dragon dancers have performed in a kids Chinese Lunar New Year celebration for a long time. The March 11, 1997, Midway reported that the dance and celebrations were hosted by the Asian Students’ Association.
10. Senior Lounge: Seniors have been relaxing in a grade-wide lounge for a very long time. A Page 1 story in the Dec. 9, 1997, Midway describes how students petitioned the then principal to improve lounge lighting, which was off the side of the faculty smoking lounge at the time.