LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — “Hail to the Old Gold, Hail to the Black," is a phrase that pays homage to the historic Little Rock Central High School.
Some traditions run deep throughout the halls for the Central students, including wearing the school colors.
While it's not unusual for even the head tiger, Principal Nancy Rousseau, to be seen repping the black and gold Tigers pride, senior students at Central take it a step further with a specific look.
The dress code includes lamé or metallic fabric and is for the upperclassmen only.
“Well, I started here as an assistant principal in 1991 and they were wearing black and gold," Rousseau said. "It's a cultural thing, and it's exciting, and it's spirit. It brings spirit to the school and at all the football games, and basketball games. For example, the kids, the seniors, will wear their outfits, and all the students sit together in one location. You can definitely pick out the seniors because they'll be in their black and gold.”
It's a tradition students look forward to every year even before they're allowed to be a part of it.
Trey Wine said he remembers his junior takeover day 14 years ago, which is when rising seniors get to officially rock their black and gold with pride to celebrate becoming a senior.
“I am a proud graduate of the Little Rock Central High School class of 2011," Wine said. "When I stepped on campus as a ninth grader and I saw that metallic gold and I was like, Wow, I can't wait till I'm able to actually put that on, actually able to represent my school."
But one must wonder, how far does this Senior tradition go back… A quick post to social media brought the Tigers out.
Many Central alumni confirmed that the tradition dates back to the early 90s and was originally a thing for young ladies. However, as time progressed, all genders got in on the black-and-gold look.
“I think that they've gotten more elaborate. And interestingly, until recently, the parents always made the outfits and or they had someone else make them. But you know what has made a huge difference— Amazon. They now have the gold skirts and the gold shorts and the gold pants," Rousseau added.
Wine added that the tradition is truly what ties the older generation to the young.
“Nobody other than a Little Rock Central High senior would understand, and that's just another connection that we all have as Little Rock Central High grads. We recognize each other, we joke with other schools and play around, but ultimately, we know we're the best school," he said.