St. Mark’s Celebrates the Holidays

The holiday season at St. Mark’s culminated with one of the School’s most beloved traditions. With the community gathered in the W. W. Browning, Jr., Great Hall, and the band performing classic Christmas carols, each member of the Class of 2024 processed in, carrying their Lower School buddies on their shoulders. To the cheers of classmates, parents, teachers and guests, the seniors walked their buddies through the crowd to hang handmade ornaments on the massive Christmas tree.

After carrying his buddy into the All-School Christmas Party, Student Council President Alex Soliz ’24 perfectly encapsulated the moment and tradition they had just witnessed. 
 
“Since I was nine years old, St. Mark’s has given me a different idea of what Christmas means: being happy just being together,” Soliz said. “Just like the famous statue facing the quad, we carry our buddies on our shoulders to hang ornaments at heights they couldn’t normally reach, symbolizing all the great things they will achieve on the backs of the boys who came before them.
 
Soliz also announced that the Student Council and Community Service Board Gift Drive had surpassed its goal of collecting more than 2,024 gifts for the local community. 

The All-School Christmas Party capped off an incredible holiday season full of joy and tradition. Through the season, boys shared their personal traditions through Diwali Chapel, Hanukkah Chapel and Banner Chapel. On the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 12, the wider community gathered in the candle-lit Chapel for the School’s 72nd Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols. Students also celebrated the season of giving through service events like sorting gifts at the Salvation Army, hosting McDonald’s Week in support of Austin Street Center, and the annual Gift Drive, which culminated with seniors dressed as Santa and his elves handing out gifts at David’s Place Head Start. Students, faculty, staff and parents also contributed more than 250 hours of service at the Salvation Army Christmas warehouse and agencies throughout the Metroplex.

Major Dawn McFarland, DFW Metroplex commander, accepted the gifts on behalf of the Salvation Army and thanked the St. Mark’s community for their generosity.

“This year, the Salvation Army will serve 35,000 individuals who would not have Christmas gifts if it weren't for generous people such as you,” McFarland said. “This ceremony exemplifies how we are to carry others when they need help.”
 
Before dismissing school for the Christmas break, Eugene McDermott Headmaster David Dini left the boys with a few thoughts: “We are certainly blessed to be part of a large, extended and loving family and community. Thank you to every Marksman for coming onto this campus each day ready, willing and eager to make a difference in the lives of others.”
 
With that, Marksmen departed for the Christmas Break. Classes will resume on Wednesday, Jan. 3.