Students confidently rush into the classroom wearing their Sunday-best as they brace themselves for their upcoming exam. On Sept. 11 and 12, Texas High teacher Danny Williams allowed his students to “dress for success,” for extra credit in his U.S. History classes. Students wear formal and professional clothes to receive the 10 bonus credits on their tests. 

“It’s a tradition that I picked up from Mr. Lippman, who taught here for many years,” History Teacher Danny Williams said. “He did dress for success, so I thought it was nice to have students dress up and [look] professional, and it gets them in conversations with other teachers and staff about why they dressed this way. It was just kind of fun.”

This annual tradition has remained something special to Williams for a very long time; the outcome exhibited through the remembrance of this tradition and a chance for students to be successful of their exams.

“The most important part is just, you know, keeping Mr. Lippman’s tradition going,” Williams said. “He wore a tie every day. When he passed away, at his funeral, they gave everyone a tie. So at that moment, I just left like it was important to honor him by having my kids dressed for success.” 

Though Williams enjoys this custom deeply and remains very passionate about it, his students have differing opinions despite having the opportunity for extra credit. 

“They don’t like it very much,” Williams said. “They don’t like to dress professionally; however, they do like the idea of extra credit that comes with it. So typically, 95 – 98% of students participate in dress for success.”

Even with two separate perspectives on this tradition, the motivation given to not only Williams, but the students as well, remains as the best part of this tradition. 

“It helps them with their test grade,” Williams said. “[Plus] it’s nice to see everybody dressed that way every day.