diff --git a/tjdests/settings/__init__.py b/tjdests/settings/__init__.py
index 554ed3e..dfc538e 100644
--- a/tjdests/settings/__init__.py
+++ b/tjdests/settings/__init__.py
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ https://docs.djangoproject.com/en/3.2/ref/settings/
 import logging
 import os
 from pathlib import Path
-from typing import List
+from typing import List, Optional
 
 from django.contrib.messages import constants as messages
 
@@ -163,6 +163,11 @@ MESSAGE_TAGS = {
     messages.ERROR: "danger",
 }
 
+# Override the following in secret.py
+SENIOR_GRAD_YEAR: int = -1
+BRANDING_NAME: str = "UNDEFINED"
+GLOBAL_MESSAGE: Optional[str] = None
+
 try:
     from .secret import *  # noqa  # pylint: disable=unused-import
 except ImportError:
diff --git a/tjdests/settings/secret.sample.py b/tjdests/settings/secret.sample.py
index 8ef7a23..3b1c90e 100644
--- a/tjdests/settings/secret.sample.py
+++ b/tjdests/settings/secret.sample.py
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
-# Deployed senior graduation year
-# e.g. if deploying in spring 2021, then 2021
 from typing import List
 
+# Deployed senior graduation year
+# e.g. if deploying in spring 2021, then 2021
 SENIOR_GRAD_YEAR = 2021
 
 # Branding name