Youngster luau

Youngster Luau at the United States Naval Academy
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Subject: Youngster Luau
The first Youngster Luau was held in 1999 and is a tradition that continues today. It was created at the United States Naval Academy (USNA) by Midshipman Third Class (3/C) Jonathan Kehoe, class of 2001. It is a little known fact that the original proposal was to hold a Youngster “Rack-Out” in Tecumseh Court (T-Court).
Description
The Youngster Luau was designed for the 3/C Midshipmen to have a voice among the classes at the Academy, since they were the only class to not have an official year-end recognition. The Luau is an event that defines a Youngster class during Commission Week, just as the Plebes climb Herndon Monument, the Second Class promenade through Ring Dance and the Firsties graduate and are commissioned as officers. The Luau was designed to give the Youngsters an opportunity to blow off steam, relax, and meet their classmates. The Youngster Luau is one of the last few times the entire class can spend time together prior to incurring their service commitment at the beginning of Second Class year.
History
Upon proposing the idea of a Youngster Rack-Out, the USNA administration felt that images of T-Court covered in Youngster’s racks (beds) would not support the Academy's core principles. After a class discussion, the Youngster Luau was set in motion and later approved by Captain Bogart - 2001's class officer.
Structure
Each class at USNA has a sponsor class, which precedes it by 50 years. For example, the class of 1951 sponsors the class of 2001 as mentors and leaders. It is customary for classes to invite their sponsor class to the many special events held on and off the Yard (campus.) The class of 1951 was honored at the first Youngster Luau. Each Youngster class is allowed to design their own t-shirts and wear Hawaiian leis. There is plenty of food and music to please everyone. Youngsters party on Sherman Field and Hospital Point.
In 1999, the class of 2001 created the world’s largest slip and slide covering most of Hospital Point. It was created with 100 tarps and over 60 containers of dish soap. Members of the class of 2001 challenge all future Youngsters to beat this amazing feat by registering it with the Guinness Book of World Records.
Commissioning week is a time of celebration, reflection, and relaxation. The Youngsters manage this in their own style. If you are in Annapolis, join them and marvel at their capacity to enjoy. They are a pleasure to watch.
In 2009, the USNA Alumni Association & Foundation provided a financial support for this event.

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