Charlottesville High School is booming with new students and teachers eager to get involved and become a part of the CHS community. The freshman class is starting the year off clueless in terms of tradition, and now is the time to fill them in on all things CHS from culture to chants and even teams. CHS is unique for more than just its academics and arts, but also for its game days, rivalries, and exceptional students. Game days foster a conducive environment for enthusiastic students dedicated to their high school community, and participating in the chants amplifies the understood school spirit.
There are many ways for CHS students to demonstrate their Black Knight pride through chants and catchphrases for every occasion. Catchphrases plastered and referenced around the school include “BKN(Black Knight Nation) for life” and “I love it, I love it, I love it”. If you plan on attending CHS football or basketball games, don’t be surprised if you hear these iconic chants: “B-L-A-C-K K-N-I-G-H-T-S, oh yes, cause we are the best – Black Knights”, “BLACK KNIGHT NATION”, and lastly, the “Hey all you Black Knight fans ” call and response.
However, CHS games aren’t all about shouting until you lose your voice, but making sure that you dress the part. All game day themes will be posted ahead of time on the @blackknightnat Instagram account. These themes may include BKN, blackout, pink out, tropical, western, USA, and neon/rave. If you are considering only going to one major game this year, make sure it is against CHS’s biggest and most abhorred rival, Albemarle High School, or lower-level local rivals, Western Albemarle and Monticello High School.
CHS’s traditions are ever evolving and adapting. Last year, CHS introduced its first-ever homecoming parade which started in the student parking lot and showcased clubs, teams, and the homecoming royalty. Another new tradition that was established last school year was the St. Patrick’s leprechaun hunt, where students searched for hidden miniature leprechauns in exchange for prizes. It is currently unknown whether these traditions will return this school year. Yet, some traditions are so beloved that they never change. For example, every homecoming, each grade level is assigned a hallway throughout the school to decorate with the intention of getting everyone into the homecoming spirit. Valentine Serenades is another prominent long-lasting tradition, where you can purchase a serenade, sung by fellow students, for your dearest friends to celebrate the holiday of love.
It takes some time and effort to experience all of these beloved CHS traditions, but they can make your high school experience if you choose to get involved and go all out in proving your passion and loyalty to being a Black Knight.
