![Austin Prep Celebrates Christmas Holiday Traditions in Style]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1734714901/austinprep/flgfjalb94qnzbnllfnq/IMG_9761.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1734714901/austinprep/flgfjalb94qnzbnllfnq/IMG_9761.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1734714901/austinprep/flgfjalb94qnzbnllfnq/IMG_9761.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1734714901/austinprep/flgfjalb94qnzbnllfnq/IMG_9761.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1734714901/austinprep/flgfjalb94qnzbnllfnq/IMG_9761.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1734714901/austinprep/flgfjalb94qnzbnllfnq/IMG_9761.jpg","width":2200}])
The past few weeks at Austin Prep have been filled with many traditions of the Advent and Christmas season. Unitas has been expressed in unmistakable ways – in community masses, shared holiday experiences and celebrations, student performances, and many social interactions bound by faith and reason.
The Austin Prep community gathered for two showings of the annual Christmas tradition of Lessons and Carols, first with a performance for students and staff in Richard J. Meelia '67 Hall on Wednesday, December 4th, followed by a performance for parents of choir and band members in the Chapel of St. Augustine on Monday, December 9th. The shows included traditional Christmas hymns and carols by the Austin Prep Choir and Austin Prep Band, as well as scripture readings and short passages about the true meaning of the season. Photos from the Meelia Hall show can be viewed here. Photos from the Chapel of St. Augustine show can be viewed here.
Students Impress With Two Performances of The Nutcracker
Austin Prep then continued its over 30 year Christmas tradition of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, with performances at the Collins Center in Andover on Monday, December 16th and Tuesday, December 17th. Nearly 200 students participated in the shows. You can view photos from the Monday night performance here and the Tuesday night performance here. You can watch the performance of Monday's first act finale, "Waltz of the Snowflakes," by clicking above. A special thank you to all those in the School community who help take the show on the road.
Austin Prep Community Celebrates Lighting of Christmas Tree
Santa Claus with students after the Christmas Tree lighting.
On Thursday, December 6th, the community embraced the festive spirit as Austin Prep celebrated its newest school Christmas tradition – the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Led by prayers read by Fr. Patrick Armano, School Chaplain, and Sr. Maria Gorreth Nassali, Assistant Head of School for Mission and Ministry, and a welcome from Head of School, James Hickey, Ph.D., the community gathered in front of the Dining Hall Patio to witness the magic unfold as we illuminated our magnificent tree. Following the lighting we continued the celebration with hot cocoa and Christmas cookies in the Dining Hall, with an appearance from Santa Claus. It was a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season together in a spirit of unity and joy.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, and for the generous support of Alex and Janine Martinelli P'28, '29 who sponsored the Christmas Tree this year. View photos from the night here.