Ring Weekend

Ring Weekend is a tradition at the United States Military Academy. A sort of graduation ceremony in its own right, Ring Weekend is when Cadet Firsties (Seniors) are given their West Point class ring. The Ring is a long-standing tradition at West Point. West Point was, in fact, the first American school to have class rings. The Ring is one of a Cadet's most prized possessions. It is awarded to Firsties shortly after the start of their senior year. There is a hop and a reception prior to the ceremony for the Cadets and the parents to enjoy.

Cadets choose their ring several months in advance, selecting everything from size (the traditional large and heavy men's casting, or the less bulky women's version), color (gold, silver, platinum), and stone (some rings are all gold and embossed with the West Point seal where the stone would have been set). Some Cadets opt to "inherit" pieces of rings from other family members or mentors who have also graduated the Long Grey Line. West Point alumni may donate their rings to be added to the smelting pot when a new batch of rings are cast. Also, the stone from an older ring can be removed and placed into a new graduate's ring. There are lots of ring-related souvenirs as well. Students can pick out items for family members made to resemble their class ring such as cufflinks, pendants, and pins. All these items of jewelry bear the same markings as the ring: the West Point crest, the class crest, the class motto, and the year the Cadet graduated (ie: "Never falter, never quit. West Point Class 2006").

After the ring ceremony, all the underclassmen get the chance to make up for all the good-natured hazing they've had to put up with for the past three years. Every Firstie on campus gets mobbed by underclassmen reciting the "Ring Poop":

"Oh My God, Sir/Ma'am!What a Beautiful Ring!What a crass mass of brass and glass!What a bold mold of rolled gold!What a cool jewel you got from your school!See how it sparkles and shines?It must have cost you a fortune!May I touch it?May I touch it please, Sir/Ma'am?"

Of course the underclassman is allowed to touch the ring, the Firstie can't get away until they do. The underclassman rubs the ring for good luck, salutes, and is quickly dismissed, often only to be replaced by seven or eight more younger students all yelling the poop at the top of their lungs.