Mia Groeninger '25
Giving Thanks Ceremony
Silence penetrated the chapel as we awaited the one brave soul who would have the courage to stand first. This happened to be senior Sage Hou, who went on to thank his advisor and role model, David Soto. Once one person stood, it triggered a domino effect for more and more to stand and give thanks.
Earlier, the night began with a traditional Thanksgiving dinner provided by the dining hall staff. We then filed into the chapel for 40 minutes of gratitude. While the event may be mocked by some, many others appreciate the vulnerability and simplicity of just giving thanks. Friends thanked one another and students expressed gratitude for their hard-working teachers. Siblings would stand up, one after the other, which was met with a collective “awww.”
The event was especially meaningful to the seniors, offering an opportunity to reflect on the people that made their time at Cate. The night was also bittersweet for Ben Williams, as this was his last Giving Thanks Ceremony. He was first thanked by senior, Phebe Hancock, who said that she “could not imagine what life at Cate would be like” without him. The community truly came together this evening to acknowledge the people behind the “spirit of this place.”
Winter Fair
Senate worked tirelessly to put together an enjoyable night to inspire holiday spirit on the Mesa. The first event of the night was a gingerbread house competition. People made pinterest boards and bought extra candy. This was no joke. Various prizes including a 100 dollar gift card were on the line. Many took it seriously and focused on the intricate detailings of every dollop of frosting, while others jokingly crushed their gingerbread, claiming it was hit by an earthquake in between trips to the hot chocolate stand.
After, the chaos of the Holiday Cake Raffle ensued. In this intense game of music chairs, plastic chairs snapped as people fought desperately for a spot to win. Others sat around the campfires, roasting marshmallows, chatting, and laughing at the spectacle.
At eight, students made their way to the Johnson Library for an annual storytime with Ben Williams. Silence fell over the room as Mr. Williams began, “How The Grinch Stole Christmas.” Yes, we are in high school, but students remark that the simplicity and innocence of the night made it all the more enjoyable.
Winter by Candlelight
Candles lined the walkway to the chapel, and people filed in, chatting amongst themselves. Then, all was silent. One candle flickered at the start of the aisle, illuminating the face of senior Jack Whelan who opened the show with a solo. Members of chorale and camrada stood around the pews, passing around a candle to light their own. They sang in beautiful harmony, the only light that of the flickering orange flames.
Subsequently, the orchestra performed a series of holiday tunes. There is no doubt that the students and faculty were impressed as they played familiar holiday music that sounded just as if you clicked play on Spotify. In between performances, students recited poetry, captivating the audience. Chorale and Camerata came back for encores, showing off what they had all been practicing thus far this year.
To close the show, Cate’s acapella group, “No Strings Attached,” took to the stage. Some hummed the beat or made notes with their voices, while others sang perfectly in sync with one another. Highlights from “No Strings Attached” were solos from Shelby Kernisant and Phebe Hancock.
As we exited the chapel, we were encouraged to put our dreams or fears for 2023 into sticks and ignite them by tossing them into the bonfire. The euphonious music was a great way to move into the new year.
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