PHOTOS: Candlelighting Ceremony Passes the Torch of Leadership in Upper School

One of St. Margaret’s cherished year-end traditions took place last week, as leadership of the student body was ceremoniously passed from the Class of 2018 to the Class of 2019 during the Candlelighting ceremony in the Chapel.

Keeping with tradition, each member of the senior class lit a candle of a junior class member in an otherwise dark Chapel, symbolizing the passing of leadership. Afterward, incoming ASB president Sarah Thurin spoke of accepting the flame from the Class of 2018, and thanked current seniors for their role in leading the school.

The Candlelighting ceremony featured an invocation by Father James Livingston, remarks by Upper School Principal Tony Jordan, current ASB president Blake Stevenson and next year’s ASB president Sarah Thurin, and a closing prayer by Head of School Will Moseley.

“Congratulations to the classes of 2018 and 2019,” Mr. Jordan told the students. “We will miss our seniors, their leadership and their stewardship of the school, and we look forward to the junior class as they enter their seniority and guide our school next year.”

In a special moment, a candle was also lit to symbolize the transition of principals, as Mr. Jordan passed the torch to Jeneen Graham, who will become interim Upper School Principal next school year.

After a moving performance of “Go Light Your World” by Marissa Mitchell and the Highlander Chorale, the Class of 2018 blew out their candles, symbolizing the end of their time at St. Margaret’s.