With cold weather in abundance the past couple of months, hopes of an early spring can be heard all around campus. The tradition of Groundhog Day, which originated in 1887 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, happens each year on February 2nd. The tradition states that if the groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, sees his shadow, we will have six more weeks of winter, but if he does not, we will have an early spring.

This year, on February 2, 2024, Punxsutawney Phil came out of hibernation and did not see his shadow. This is the first time in four years that Phil has not seen his shadow and predicted an early spring.

We asked Wakeland students what they were hoping the Groundhog would see or not see this year. Many reported that they prefer an early spring.

“I didn’t want him to see it because I want to stay warm,” senior Avery Woodward said.

“I wanted him to not see his shadow because I love going for walks in warmer weather,” junior Emily Schandlbauer said.

Others said that they wanted warm weather for more specific reasons.

“I didn’t want him to see it because I hate playing baseball in the cold,” senior Jackson Lindsay said.

Fortunately for the students, the weather does appear to be getting warmer with an early spring.  However, with the Texas weather we know and love, we still have to be prepared for anything.