The Holidays at Eaglebrook
The period in between Thanksgiving and winter break is a quick one, with only 12 class days. A lot is packed into those days, however, and this year was no exception. Aside from all of the normal Eaglebrook activities: classes, athletics, and music rehearsals, there are additional activities during this time that make a typical day on campus even more full. Each of the five Eaglebrook dormitories participated in the Adopt-a-Family program, which supports families in need in western Massachusetts. Students raised money from their fellow dorm mates, shopped for gifts and essentials for the families, and spent time wrapping the gifts during the dorm holiday parties, which were held on December 15. See photos from those parties here.
Back
On the day before everyone left for break, Mr. Chase unveiled the 2014-2015 Eaglebrook holiday card. Each year, students enter designs to be chosen as the art for the card. Wind Kuphirun ’15 received the honor of having his design on the holiday card this year. See the card here.
Candlelighting is the pinnacle of this period between breaks. Candlelighting is one of Eaglebrook’s oldest and most beloved traditions. At the core of the event is the idea of bringing light into darkness and gathering community together. Watch Mr. David Pivirotto ’79 speak a little about the history of Candlelighting here.
Before Candlelighting itself, the Eaglebrook Music Department gave a concert for the community. The band, string orchestra, chorus, Ad Libs, and piano players performed on the stage in the Bartlett Assembly Area. Santa even made a special appearance this year and performed a song with the help of one of his elves. See photos from the concert here and watch the performances here.
After enjoying a fabulous meal prepared by the staff in the Eaglebrook Kitchen, groups of students sang carols in different languages to begin Candlelighting. Watch the Latin group here, the Spanish song here, the French song here, the Chinese song here, the English carol here, and the faculty singers here.
Mr. Chase led the Candlelighting ceremony. The lights in the room dimmed, and when he said “As one light lights another nor grows less, so nobleness enkindles nobleness” everyone in the room stood and began to sing “Adeste Fidelis” in Latin while the Sixth Form students moved to the front of the room to receive lit candles. Those students returned to their tables and lit the candles of those around them. Gibbs Dining Hall became silent and the room was filled with candlelight. It is a perfect way to begin the winter break. See photos from Candlelighting here.
No comments have been posted
271 Pine Nook Road | P. O. Box 7 | Deerfield, MA 01342 | 413-774-7411
