The May Day celebration, a tradition dating back some 90 years, was renewed at Springdale High School over the weekend.

The event usually takes place inside the school but was held off campus last year at the Harmar House in Cheswick.

“Unfortunately, we weren’t permitted to have much in the way of indoor gatherings last year due to covid, and the restrictions on that really decreased the number of individuals who were permitted to attend anyway,” Allegheny Valley School District spokeswoman Jan Zastawniak said.

This year’s event returned to the Donald McGhee Fieldhouse with attendance limited to families of the participants.

The May Day celebration begins with the presentation of the Senior May Court, with young women dressed in white gowns escorted by young men in tuxedos. They are followed by members of the Junior Court.

Then comes the coronation of the junior king and queen — this year it was John Utiss and Kalynn Kuchta, crowned by the reigning king and queen, Roman Liberati and Dayna Zezza. Different groups and individuals then stage musical numbers for the court, choreographed and performed by students.

“This is one of those events that is a time-held tradition here,” Zastawniak said. “It goes back for generations, and we know a number of generations look forward to it because it’s very ingrained in the environment here, especially with past alums. If you went to school here, you remember it when you were here.”

Judging from past Springdale yearbook descriptions, the May Day celebration has always been an integral part of school traditions. The 1957 Springdale yearbook described the May Day celebration as “an elaborate cavalcade of dresses.” In 1939, it was referred to as “a very gala affair,” and in 1946 it was “the exciting contest.”

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)