The Pond Toss tradition continues at MICDS! This tradition honors the first senior accepted into college, and it is a festive way to acknowledge the official start of the college application season and the academic achievements of our seniors.
This year’s pond splash came courtesy of Eshan Majeed ’26, who was accepted into Missouri S&T University. When detailing his application and acceptance process, he said, “It was the middle of summer as I was first starting to apply to college. I was sitting on the couch procrastinating my summer work when I checked my email. I was surprised to see a letter [from Missouri S&T] saying ‘Apply and You’re in.’ A week later, I was accepted. The weight of getting into a school was lifted off my shoulders, though it wasn’t even my dream school. I showed the letter to Dr. Macam once school started, and he told me that I was the first to get accepted and would be the one getting thrown in the pond.”
Surrounded by cheers from the entire Upper School student body, faculty, and family, Majeed was ceremoniously tossed into Polk Pond by a handful of friends, one of whom was fully committed to the process and went in with him. “Even though I was grossed out at first, I knew that it would be a good time,” said Majeed. “When the day rolled around and I was walking down to the pond with my friends, all my nerves went away. Looking back on the experience, I can only think about how fun it was and how it was worth every second. It brought me closer to my friends and gave me a memory that will last a lifetime.”
Splashes, laughter, and applause echoed through the air, marking a significant milestone in the academic journey of both Majeed and the entire Class of 2026. College application season is now in full force, with many more acceptances to come! Eshan’s College Counselor Earl Macam said, “This tradition is a celebration of what’s to come next for the class, is evidence of Eshan’s diligence, and encouragement for positive forward movement for the seniors!”
Upper School Dean Daniel George said, “The Pond Toss is a wonderful example of the special events throughout the year that celebrate our seniors. This year, the focus has been on setting aside notions of ‘senioritis’ and instead thinking about how seniors can leave small traces of positivity and kindness for faculty, staff, parents, and—most importantly—their fellow students.
“What made this year even more fun was that one of Eshan’s good friends, Lewis Adkins ’26, jumped into the pond with him. Lewis, a varsity swimmer, wanted to share in the excitement while keeping an eye on his friend Eshan.”
The pond toss is a storied tradition originating in our Country Day school years and is a celebration of the collective achievements of the senior class. It’s an exciting punctuation mark reminding the Class of 2026 of the bright future that awaits.
Congratulations to Eshan and all the seniors as they embark on the next chapter of their lives!