St. Margaret’s continued one of its most beloved and beautiful traditions on Thursday, as leadership of the Upper School student body was ceremoniously transferred from the Class of 2022 to the Class of 2023 during the annual Candlelighting ceremony in the Chapel.

Each member of the senior class “lit” an electric candle of a junior class member inside the dark Chapel, beginning with outgoing ASB president Kate Cruse and incoming ASB president Devin Thomas. The candles symbolized the passing of leadership, as the tradition takes place during the senior class’ final days on campus.

“Candlelighting is meant to bring us peace and closure as we part ways with our time here at St. Margaret’s and walk into the next chapter of our lives,” Kate told to the student body. “We owe it to ourselves and to each other to make the most of this precious ceremony because once we walk out those doors, we will never get this moment back. I ask that you all are deeply present and open your eyes, your ears and your hearts to this experience so that you may remember this feeling for years to come.”

 

The ceremony also featured moving remarks from The Reverend KC Robertson, Upper School Principal Jeneen Graham, Devin Thomas, as well as memorable performances by Makayla Arnoldi (who sang “Never Grow Up”) and Neela Gerayli, Dean Woods, Rylan Rodrigues-Zahn and Chloe Lias (who sang “Go Light Your World”).

After the final musical performance, the Class of 2022 extinguished their candles, symbolizing the end of their time leading the St. Margaret’s student body and the privilege of leadership now resting with the Class of 2023.

Head of School Will Moseley then offered a closing prayer, a blessing for the senior class for guidance and direction, and a prayer for the junior class as they accept their new leadership role for next year.