From 9:35 a.m. to 10:40 a.m., four out of five days of the week, the Beach buzzes with activity. Seniors, free of burdening academic responsibilities, spill onto the grassy area to play games of Spikeball, Sui, or the latest soccer ball innovation of the week. This patch of grass, however, isn’t just a place to unwind; it’s where friendships deepen and the culture of senior year comes to life.
Nobles’ strong Beach culture stems from a variety of factors. “I think the layout of the Beach is really nice. I like to have the big grass spot right in the middle of campus, it’s nice because it’s not inconvenient,” frequent Beachgoer Oliver Burstein (Class I) said. The Beach’s central location plays a crucial role in its popularity, as it’s accessible from nearly every corner of campus. This makes it easy for students to swing by for a brief game between classes or during free periods without going out of their way. This openness encourages spontaneous gathering, and for better or for worse, invites participation from friends simply walking by. It is also worth noting that many do not view the prevalence of the Beach as distracting. “I know that we’ve had some discussions in the past about whether the Beach can be distracting to people in class, but there’s never been a time where I’ve been unable to focus in class, or unable to actually prioritize my own work,” Burstein said. However, the Beach’s visibility also goes beyond just meeting with friends. It also enables newer students or students who are not friends to mingle with each other. “You meet people that you don’t usually talk to and don’t necessarily interact with,” Will Chiasson (Class I) said. The informal nature of games, where teams are often shuffled, and spectators are welcomed mid-game, creates a low-pressure environment for social connection. Unlike structured clubs or academic classes, the Beach allows friendships to form organically, without expectations. A game of spikeball or frisbee can turn mere acquaintances into teammates, and eventually, friends.
“You meet people that you don’t usually talk to
and don’t necessarily interact with.”
To many, this year’s senior class has been especially prevalent on the Beach. Their daily presence has turned the space into a lively and dependable hub of activity, especially during community time. Whether it’s a tightly contested Spikeball match or simply tanning in the sun, seniors have always embraced the Beach not just as a place to pass time but as a core part of their identity. “I think this year’s senior class is actually really good at combining a lot of the games. In the past, there have been Gordie ball (formally known as Bina Ball–a game where players kick a soccer ball as high as they can), Sui, Spike, and Sack. This senior class has done a good job bringing them together, but we’re really nothing more than a sum of a bunch of parts,” Burstein said. In a way, this idea of how the senior class has been able to bring together a variety of games is indicative of their cohesive community. Beach games aficionado Annie Spring (Class I) shares a similar sentiment. “Even when underclassmen join in on ‘senior-only’ games, it just goes to show how inclusive the space has really become,” Spring said. In order to maintain this strong culture, it’s critical that juniors carry forward the lessons that the seniors have gained. “Working to get everyone outside is important for juniors, because that’s honestly some of the best memories–just being outside, playing soccer tennis with a group of 30 or 40 people on a Friday before practice,” Chiasson said. The challenge for juniors, and for future classes, will be to keep the spirit of the Beach alive by continuing to make it a space where everyone feels welcome. The senior Beach culture at Nobles has become a defining part of the Class of 2025’s experience. From combining games like spikeball and soccer tennis to creating connections across different social circles, the Beach has proven to be more than just a simple grassy space – it’s a symbol of the class’s unity. “The Beach offers students a space to relax, connect with friends, and meet new people in a low-pressure environment,” Spring said. Through their presence and participation, seniors have created an environment where everyone feels welcome, regardless of background or friend group. As the torch is passed to juniors, it’s clear that maintaining this sense of community and inclusivity will be crucial in preserving this carefully cultivated Beach culture.
