A Spectacular Night for Eaglebrook's Most Spectacular Tradition

The 94th Candlelighting ceremony brought a great sense of joy and holiday cheer to the Eaglebrook community before everyone departed campus for winter break. The oldest and most beloved tradition at the School returned this year to the place it's been held for almost 50 years - Gibbs Dining Hall. 

 

Before dinner and the ceremony, the School community gathered in the Assembly Area for the annual holiday concert. The string orchestra, band, jazz band, chorus, Ad Libs, and a few pianists performed. See photos from the concert here and watch the full performance of the concert here. 

 

After the concert, students and faculty dressed in their formal attire walked up the path to the dining hall just as snow flurries began to fly. The tree in the dining hall was decorated in a fashion similar to what a tree would have looked like in 1922. Sitting in front of the tree was a spectacular gingerbread house created in the Eaglebrook bakeshop. The community sat down for a delicious turkey dinner and a lava cake dessert prepared by Director of Dining Services Ed Howle and his staff. Once everyone finished eating, the language carolers, Latin carolers, and faculty singers entertained the community with an array of songs.  

 

Head of School Mr. Chase then spoke about the tradition of Candlelighting. When he said the words, “As one light lights another, nor grows less, so nobleness enkindles nobleness,” everyone in the room began singing “Adeste Fideles''. The Sixth Form students move to the front of the room to light their candles. As they make their way back to their tables to light the other students’ and faculty candles there, the dining hall begins to fill with light that pierces the darkness. 

Watch the Candlelighting ceremony here, and see photos from Candlelighting here.