Academy of the Holy Names is known for their many traditions like their yellow brick walls, location in front of the beautiful bayshore, and many more even including a brown leather shoe.
This certain brown leather shoe is also called a penny loafer. Each Academy girl during the summer before going into her freshman year has the option to wear Sperrys or the iconic penny loafer.
Each girl places her pennies in the loafers as “good luck” for the next four years. Even though some of the girls’ shoes fall apart within the first year, it is tradition to keep them during all four years of their high school experience.
Ainsley Kurrack (‘26) said, “I love the penny loafer tradition at Academy because on the last day of school we get to paint them our college colors. It is also super convenient because we do not have to buy brand new shoes every school year.”
Having to buy brand new shoes every year can be tedious and annoying. Since at AHN the penny loafers are used all four years it helps with the convenience of this tradition. Not only is it a tradition but it can be a comfort thing. These shoes have comfortable insoles that are flexible and easy to break in.
Kylee Wright (‘28) said, “I personally love penny loafers. They are comfy once you break them in, and so easy to put on in the morning.”
While most girls enjoy this tradition, some have different ideas and points of view. These types of shoes can be hard to adjust to and may feel uncomfortable in the beginning.
Liana Fernandez (‘28) said, “The penny loafers would not be my first choice. I do not like how they have ruined my feet. They are very uncomfortable especially if you do not have them completely broken in. I just wear them because I know it is tradition and I do not want to wear Sperrys.”
Elizabeth Suskauer, high school physical education department chair, has been teaching at the Academy for 36 years.
Suskauer said, “”I like it although they are not supportive for the foot. I like the tradition but they aren’t the most supportive for everyone.”
