It is the most treasured of the school traditions, and has been performed every year, virtually unchanged, since 1929, until 2023 where speeches about each part of the ceremony were given by 8th group students. This marked the last year any students wore capes, as six students who had attended Avery Coonley from Early Childhood until 8th grade gave a speech in honor of the long-lasting practice, bringing an end to the tradition.
The school tradition is among its most cherished and has been performed annually, almost identical, since 1929. In 2023, speeches about each ceremony segment were given by 8th graders. This indicated the final year students wore capes; six students who had attended Avery Coonley from Early Childhood through 8th grade delivered a speech honoring the enduring practice, bringing an end to the tradition.