December 8, 2025

Our Winter Lighting Celebration brought all the cozy, festive energy we hoped for—and a few laughs along the way. Families and friends gathered for an afternoon of ornament making, sledding, cookie decorating, and face painting, filling campus with creativity, sugar, and rosy cheeks.

Guests warmed their hands around the fire pits while enjoying hearty chili and steaming hot chocolate, perfect companions for a crisp winter evening. As the sun dipped, everyone gathered for the big moment: the annual tree lighting and remarks from Head of School, Samantha Coyne Donnel. With a cheerful countdown, the switch was flipped… and only half the tree lit up! The crowd burst into laughter, embracing the perfectly imperfect moment that made this year’s celebration even more memorable.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a joyful kick-off to the season. Even with a half-lit tree, the night felt wonderfully bright.