Summer tan lines and melting popsicles will soon be exchanged for the smell of new school supplies, the scramble towards the Chapel in the mornings, and excited waves and hugs as everyone reunites. The start of school at Concord Academy means welcoming new students and re-welcoming returning students with the same traditions and events we look forward to annually.
The first among these anticipated fall traditions is the block party, which is hosted the first week back to school. Taking place during the community weekend of September 6, 2024, the event will include food trucks, a neon foam pit, and obstacle courses for CA students to enjoy as we settle back into the buzz of the academic year. Students have the opportunity to socialize on the Quad while enjoying delicious food and fun activities throughout the evening.
A favorite and frequently discussed event, Club Expo is the perfect chance for freshmen to tour and get a taste of the over 90 diverse clubs and organizations at CA. In addition to recruiting new members, club leaders are able to advertise their clubs and raise money for events hosted during the school year. Club Expo offers a wide variety of foods ranging from dosa to boba, merchandise including tote bags and hoodies, and raffles with exciting prizes. Members of the CA community are able to explore different interests and learn more about how they can get involved in what they are passionate about.
Another beloved tradition and the first dance of the school year is White Out. CA students crowd into the gym under ultraviolet light, dancing to kick off the fall while dressed in all white—except for junior girls, who wear all black. White Out is a personal favorite and has options for everyone—dancing if that’s what you enjoy, a snack and game area if it’s more your style, and a photo area to commemorate the night. You can’t miss this unique Concord tradition named for the theme of wearing all white.
Fall also means the start of sports; from soccer to field hockey, sports are a large part of how students show off their school spirit. Whether you are participating in matches or supporting your peers, the Chandler Bowl is a fun chance to “go green” while rooting for CA’s sports teams. CA’s fall athletic teams play against Pingree School each year, and all students have the opportunity to go to the games on a shuttle bus to cheer for CA and watch a variety of sports matches.
Lastly, a tradition that makes CA different from other schools and allows students to get to connect and know one another on a deeper level is chapels. Chapels embody the spirit of the school and demonstrate the common trust we have with one another. Chapels are a time to celebrate, learn, laugh, cry, and develop empathy for students in the graduating class. Most mornings, the day is kicked off with a new senior sharing something about themselves for 15 minutes, leaving the community with something to think about. The topic is entirely up to the senior, and the rest of the school can get to know the senior class throughout the course of the year through this milestone that many seniors have looked forward to since they were freshmen.
Tradition is what makes the school what it is and brings the community together, encouraging fun and bonding. There is so much to look forward to with the start of classes and so many traditions and amazing opportunities to anticipate.