KathrineDietz

Each year at Kickoff Block the classes are given an additional task to add on to their Walls. This task is called the “Surprise Box,” and it can contain anything from cake decorating supplies, to children’s instruments or supplies to paint a mural. 

Principal Dr. Susie Sullivan created the surprise box after she became principal at Marian. “So much of Field Day is planned, so I wanted to make students think on their feet,” Sullivan said. 

Since the Surprise Box is announced on day one of Field Week, not before, students have only two days to plan and execute whatever task they are assigned. 

“I try to hit skill sets that people don’t get recognized for,” Sullivan said. Typically, surprise box allows students with artistic abilities to shine, whether that be through singing, painting or playing an instrument. 

“There is so much creativity in the building,” Sullivan said. The surprise box aims to showcase that creativity in unconventional ways. 

“I get my ideas from the weirdest places,” Sullivan said. Inspiration has struck her at events over the summer, from things she’s seen on TV and even suggestions from students and their families. 

“I’m always trying to think of something,” Sullivan said. 

This year, the surprise box asked students to paint a mural depicting one of Marian’s core values in the hallway between the cafeteria and the performing arts center. 

Each grade drew a core value from a hat at Kickoff Block, and got to work planning and painting as soon as work time began. 

The seniors were assigned community, juniors empowerment, sophomores compassion and freshmen spirituality. 

“We started with sketching and brainstorming,” junior Catherine Buescher, who worked on their class’s mural. “Teamwork was really important.” 

Due to the short amount of time that students had, it was important to work quickly and efficiently. 

“We got our sketch on the wall, and decided the colors as we went,” Buescher said. 

Ultimately the junior class’s mural of empowerment won the Surprise Box competition. 

“For the time being, the murals will stay up,” Sullivan said. “Someone may remove them in the future, but for now, we are keeping them.” 

The Surprise Box showcases the unique talents and abilities that Marian girls have, and this year, it allowed students to make a permanent mark on the school’s halls.