For those student who have not gotten anything for their secret pal yet, the rush to get gifts before Tacky Tiki Day on May 10 is beginning.  To juniors who may not know what Tacky Tiki Day is, it is a celebration at the end of the year where secret pals are revealed.

“Secret pals” is a unique MSMS tradition that starts at the beginning of each school year. Seniors can each pick one or multiple incoming juniors as their “secret pal,” and throughout the school year, give their chosen juniors little gifts ranging from food and candy, to soap, to mugs and even fuzzy blankets. It can be anything! The point is to brighten that person’s day just a little. At the beginning of the second semester, the juniors return the favor.

A few MSMS students share their thoughts on this special tradition.

Senior Liz Lanford said, “Last year I didn’t like the whole secret pal tradition because my secret pal never gave me anything, which sucked. But this year, it has been great because my secret pal gave me Peeps, body lotion and bath soaps that smell fantastic!”

Junior Rebecca Chen said, “I think it’s always great to get free stuff. I’ve just gotten chocolate, which is always great.”
Chen added, “Also, shoutout to my secret pal; the gift well has been dry for a while.”

Senior Angie Harri, who has been a bit disappointed this year, said, “Well, my secret pal has only gotten me one thing: Oreos.  Which don’t help me in my attempt at a healthy lifestyle.  So I don’t really have a favorite thing that my secret pal has given me.”

Harri continued, “But I still think it’s a fun tradition because I got a few things from my secret pal last year. But if nobody gives you anything, you’re probably not a fan of that person or the tradition. It’s also fun choosing what to give my secret pal.”

Senior Allen Lin shared his hilarious gift from his secret pal, “My secret pal gave me a condom…so I guess it’s the best and worst gift at the same time. I think it’s a good tradition to have, and it adds on to the many things that make MSMS unique.”

Overall, the tradition of secret pals has been a part of MSMS culture for a long time, and current students look forward the to the continuance of the tradition.