At Saint Thomas Aquinas High School, the tradition of Cailini is upheld as a very important and cherishable aspect of campus life. This sisterly tradition celebrates spirit, sisterhood, and competition and was started in 1976, when women weren’t allowed to partake in athletic sports. For half a century, Cailini has been a part of Raider history at STA, where young women are able to show their teamwork, dedication, and school pride. Held annually during the month of March, Cailini has a diverse range of activities that span from tug-of-war, aerobic dance, a bake-off, art, dodgeball, high-impact dance, gymnastics, flag football (powderpuff), and volleyball.

Cailini is open to any female currently enrolled in STA. The moderators distribute waivers and flyers advertising sign-ups weeks in advance. Students are able to sign up during their respective lunch period or after school at the Student Activities Center on campus. On March 13th, the school hosted a pep rally, kicking off the 50th Anniversary and the first round of events. On March 18th, the final Cailini competitions were held at Nova Southern University. Parents, friends, and families came to show their support and cheer them on.

This year, Cailini was a huge success for the juniors. They dominated the competition, beating the freshman, sophomore, and senior classes. Junior, Emi Bernall said, “Cailini at STA is amazing because it brings the whole school together. It builds strong class spirit, creates friendships, and lets everyone participate in fun events like dance, sports, and more. It’s not just a competition, it’s a tradition that makes high school unforgettable.” Overall, Cailini is a great way of forming sisterhood and life long friendships. Teamwork is a big part of this experience and learning how to work together can build a strong connection!