The entire school community came together on Tuesday, Nov. 12, to celebrate the season of gratitude at the All-School Gathering of Thanks.

As is tradition, the campus was called to the assembly by the ringing of the bells in the Murphy Family Bell Tower. Upper School students Austin Greene ’25 and Ava Lubsen ’26 did the honors beginning at 9:50 a.m., just as Lower School students were beginning to make their way from Holding Hall to the A.E. Finley Activity Center.

Once everyone was seated in Warner Arena, Sundesh Donthi ’25 gave the welcome, and Amir Hamrah ’32 led the Pledge of Allegiance. Choir director Robert Strebendt then directed the combined choirs in performing “Homeward Bound,” and Alexa Wadley ’26 shared a poem about gratitude.

Two Upper School students then shared reflections on recent holidays that are part of their faith traditions.

Puja Patel ’26 spoke about Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, which took place this year on Oct. 31.  “Diwali is the festival of lights and represents the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. During Diwali, families decorate their homes with diyas and rangoli and come together to celebrate the holiday,” she explained. She continued:

As a kid, I loved celebrating this holiday. We would light diyas by our front door and make different rangoli designs out of colored sand to welcome guests. I especially enjoyed it when my grandma would make sweets like jalebi and penda. The whole house would smell of cardamom and sugar. The sweet scent would fill the house, making everyone feel the festive spirit. When evening came, my friends and family would stay up late eating food and sharing stories. Lastly, we would end the festivities with fireworks and sparklers. Holding sparklers in our hands, we traced bright trails in the air as fireworks burst into vibrant colors above. The night was filled with light, laughter, and joy.

Looking back, I realize that these traditions remind me to find joy in the small things and be grateful for the people in my life. I will cherish the moments I’ve spent with my friends and family and hope to make even more memories with them in the coming years.

Next, Ethan Axler ’26 reflected on the weeklong Jewish holiday of Sukkot, which took place Oct. 16-23 this year. Ethan explained that the holiday “commemorates the journey of our ancestors who wandered through the desert thousands of years ago on their way to the Promised Land.” He continued:

Sukkot is about more than just looking back. It’s a celebration of unity, inclusivity and connection to each other and the world. One of the central rituals of Sukkot is the gathering of the Four Species. The Four Species are the citron, the branch of a closed palm tree, the myrtle and the willow. Each of these species represents different qualities within us and the diversity of the Jewish people. Some of us are scholars, others are doers, some are compassionate and some bring strength to the community. The message of Sukkot is that every person is essential and that together we make a complete community. By bringing these four different species together, we honor the unique strengths of every individual and affirm that we are stronger when united.

… The holiday reminds Jews that their journey and relationship with God is interconnected with the fate and welfare of others. This is why Sukkot has a special layer of meaning this year, emphasizing that Jewish prayers include not only the Jewish people but everyone, wishing for blessings, unity, and mutual respect across the globe.

Before closing, Head of School Derrick Willard thanked the speakers and performers as well as the student-led Spiritual Task Force, who alongside advisor Sean Kelly of the Admissions Office planned the gathering. He asked the assembly to give a round of applause for the Facilities Department, who set up the space for the gathering.

The All-School Gathering of Thanks is the first of three special assemblies that bring all three divisions together to celebrate the seasons. Ravens will gather on Wednesday, Dec. 11, for the All-School Holiday Gathering and again on Tuesday, April 8, for the All-School Spring Gathering.

Enjoy more photos from the gathering on our Flickr page.