Why freshmen at one high school give their mothers a goodbye kiss on their first day
For the last 26 years at Bishop Kelley High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the seniors surround the cars of the incoming freshmen and don't let them out until they do one specific thing: give their mothers a goodbye kiss.
Every year, freshmen at Bishop Kelley High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, undergo a unique tradition on their first day. Seniors, known for their camaraderie, surround their cars and prevent them from exiting until they perform a task that might seem embarrassing to many. This task is to give a kiss to their mothers, fathers, or guardians as a public expression of appreciation.
The custom has been in place for 26 years and is observed as a rite of passage, celebrating the brief but poignant moment when a child transitions from home to school.
While the tradition has its roots in the class of 2001, who chose to replace their pranks with a kinder gesture, it carries a deeper significance. Sister Mary Hanah, the school's president, acknowledges the reluctance some freshmen feel, yet she sees the underlying biblical principle of honoring parents as a compelling reason. She notes that the mothers often find this moment particularly poignant, marking a significant milestone in their lives, especially if it's their first or last child entering high school.
Parents reflect on the emotional impact of this ritual. One parent commented on the bittersweet moment of seeing their child leave for school, while another emphasized the moment of letting go that comes with the kiss. Thus, the farewell kiss at Bishop Kelley High School is more than just a quirky tradition; it's a heartfelt celebration of the journey from home to the next chapter in life.
Written by urgent.news from CBS News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
