Traditions and Celebrations
Founded in 1919, St. Joseph Hill Academy has traditions that are beloved by students and alumnae from decades passed as well as newer traditions and celebrations that leave the entire student body smiling. As a Hilltopper, these are some traditions and celebrations to look forward to.
Senior Sunrise

Freshmen Orientation

Spring - The incoming Freshmen gather for the first time as a class at Hill following registration but before 8th grade graduations. They have a social afternoon of events where they get to know each other and meet with representatives from Hill's robust student life- clubs, athletics, spirituality, service projects, trips, and more.
Senior and Freshmen Sisters

September Welcome-Back Event
Student Council organizes an annual welcome-back event every September for the entire student body, usually a carnival with games, prizes, snacks, and dancing.

Freshmen Mother Daughter Tea

Senior Tree Planting
The Senior class plants a tree each Fall on our beautiful hillside campus. No matter where Hilltoppers go, their roots are always here at Hill. 

National Honor Society Induction
The National Honor Society (NHS) promotes scholarship, service, leadership and character throughout the Hill community. Juniors and Seniors with a 90% unweighted average or higher are inducted into Hill's chapter of the NHS each Fall. Candidates must also have 50 service hours per year to be considered for admission. This prestigious program acknowledges their hard work and dedication. 

Murder Mystery

Harvest Happening
"Hill-o-ween" continues with the annual Harvest Happening. This is a school-wide assembly full of creative skits and Halloween costumes!

Fall Musical

Spirit Week

To show some school spirit, Student Council organizes a fun week of themed dress down days. Recent themes include Pajama Day, Holiday Day, Country vs. Country Club, Twin Day, Generations Day, Adam Sandler Day, and Hill Wear Day!
Polar Plunge
Hilltoppers participate in the annual Staten Island Polar Plunge to raise money for the Special Olympics of New York. The 2023 event was a stunning success this year. Hill students battled the frigid waters of Midland Beach for this worthy cause. Hill plungers raised more than $13,000 and were named Cool School Champions. This event raises thousands of dollars each year to cover athletes' expenses, such as uniforms, travel, equipment and practice facilities for the Special Olympics. Hilltoppers were definitely Freezin' for a Reason!

Christmas Coffeehouse
A beloved Hill tradition, the Christmas Coffeehouse is a time when students, faculty, families, and some years even recent alumnae gather to celebrate the beginning of Christmas break. The event includes performances by the Hill Singers, caroling in Italian and Spanish, a dance team performance, basket raffles, a time-honored and always hilarious faculty skit, and of course caroling with the faculty. It's the perfect event to get everyone in the holiday spirit.

Junior Ring Ceremony

Bowling with Teachers
The St. Joseph Hill Academy bowling team began a tradition of hosting Bowling with the Teachers night. Members of the bowling team faced faculty members and staff. Everyone shows off their skills during the matches and enjoys some pizza too.

100 Days Mass

Service Day

Hill has held thirteen annual Service Days and is the only high school on Staten Island where the entire student body and faculty participate in volunteer opportunities throughout the community. In 2023, students were able to sign up at one of nearly 30 locations. It was an opportunity for Hilltoppers to give and interact with their community allowing them to see firsthand the impact their service has on others.
Green Fashion Show
The Green Fashion Show is an annual opportunity for students to design and model fashions made from 100% recycled materials, including paper bags, magazines, trash bags, and denim. It's a great creative outlet for students interested in fashion and sustainability.

May Crowning

Easter Break Trip
Each Easter Break, juniors and seniors have the option to go on an international trip (previous trips have included Greece, Italy, Iceland, England, France, Australia, and more) with faculty and staff. It's a wonderful learning experience and bonding opportunity. In 2023 students voted for Greece as the destination.


Color Wars and Air Bands
Hill's field day, this much-loved Hill tradition began in 2009. Each year grade levels compete as teams in a series of games. They enjoy a BBQ lunch and an afternoon Airbands competition. Check out this video created by Hill Alumna Athina Sonitis '19 that captures the true spirit of this tradition.
Spring Concert

Senior Trip to Disney
Seniors take a trip to Disney World with some faculty after they wrap up classes and finals to celebrate their accomplishments and have some fun together. Students bond with their entire class and feel the magic of Disney!

Senior Farewell
The entire student body gathers in assembly to honor the Senior class. Seniors are recognized with honors and awards including the annual Miss Hilltopper Award. Seniors wear t-shirts from the colleges they will attend.

Senior Night / Senior Sunset

Performing and Visual Arts Showcase


Junior Prom and Senior Prom


Each year, a Junior Prom is held in the spring and a Senior Prom is held after graduation at a venue in Staten Island, NY. There is a Junior Prom Committee and a Senior Prom Committee that helps with all the planning.