Music, dance, memories, and a bit of holiday magic filled Benjamin Hall once again as the Upper School gathered for its annual holiday assembly on December 10. The event delivered a much needed dose of warmth and good cheer as classes finished and exams began.
Planning such an event is no small task, as Upper School Science Department Chair, Dr. James Haley, who has organized the assembly for the past eight years, explained, “The purpose of the assembly is to give members of our community a chance
to share their talents, stories, and traditions with the community.”
Dr. Haley works closely with Performing Arts Department Chair Mrs. Sara Salivar and Upper School Music Director Dr. Henderson to select the performance pieces and coordinate speeches in which students share stories about Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, and faculty members reflect on their own holiday memories.
“Each of us has a unique story to tell, and it is gratifying to provide a platform for them to share those stories,” Haley reflected. Haley’s meticulous planning ensures the assembly remains a celebration of all traditions.
The event kicked off with remarks from Head of Upper School Mr. Fletcher Carr, who praised Dr. Haley for his dedication while highlighting the significance of the assembly as an opportunity for everyone to come together. In an unexpected twist, Mr. Carr revealed that he and several other faculty members—Dr. Henderson, Mr. Peck, Mr. Curtis, and Mr. Jacobsen—had formed a “holiday band.” Their lively performance set a joyful tone for the assembly, with Mr. Carr on vocals and his colleagues dancing
in the background.
Following this, the Dance Technique Class presented “A Celtic Christmas,” a colorful wirlwind of a dance whose polish contrasted well with the authenticity of the faculty band’s jam.
Senior Rebekkah Merkel then took the stage to share her family’s Hanukkah traditions. She explained how her family celebrates with homemade latkes, game nights, and movies over the eight nights. “And, like many Jews on Christmas Eve, we
order in a bunch of Chinese food and talk for hours,” Merkel shared.
The Upper School Concert Band delivered a performance of “Hanukkah, Festival of Lights.” Senior Maddox Hoffman, a clarinetist, reflected on the experience: “I always love performing for the school because we have such a welcoming audience. I
had a solo in the Hanukkah song we performed, which was really exciting. We worked hard for the performance, so it was great to see our hard work come together.”
Next, Senior Liv Caiazzo shared her personal Christmas traditions. She spoke about how her family has maintained holiday traditions despite changes in her life. Caiazzo recalled picking out the biggest tree at a local farm in Massachusetts, decorating it
with picture ornaments her grandmother had made, and how her family continues to celebrate in Florida, blending new traditions with those from her childhood.
With a rousing version of “Sleigh Bells,” the Chamber Ensemble introduced Upper School Substitute Teacher, Ms. Marina Gasparini whose presented a personal reflection on the magic of Christmas.
Ms. Gasparini shared how, as a child, she believed in a secret magic that could make all the terrible things in the world go away. She connected this childhood belief to the Christmas truce of 1914, when soldiers on both sides of World War I stopped fighting to come together and celebrate Christmas. “Kindness in the middle of war…it only needs to happen once to prove it can happen again,” Gaspirini said.
The assembly continued with a special performance of “O, Holy Night,” with Upper School Chemistry teacher Mr. Abigail Milce playing the saxophone.
Senior Victoria Powell and sophomore Jayden Cosbey Mosely shared insights into Kwanzaa traditions, focusing on the importance of family, community, and heritage.
Social Studies teacher Mr. Graham Wik then shared a personal memory of attending midnight Mass in New England and spoke about creating new holiday traditions with his wife and son. He specifically emphasized the importance of being present and appreciating the special moments that come with the holidays
The Upper School Chorus continued the event with a sing-along compilation of carols, before the Dazzlers’ brought the curtain down with their routine, “E-mail Santa.”
Junior Annabelle Bridger, a member of the choir, loved being able to add to the holiday cheer. “It was so fun to perform in front of the school. At first I was nervous but once we got up there it was so nice to sing with my friends,’’ Bridger exclaimed.
Finally, Head of School Mr. Faus delivered closing remarks, thanking everyone for their participation. This year’s holiday assembly once again reminded everyone of the joy that comes from sharing traditions, talents, and stories. It was a celebration
of the diverse experiences that make the holiday season meaningful and a testament to the strength and unity of the Benjamin community.
