A Season of Gratitude

As November on campus came to a close, the St. Mark’s community celebrated the season of gratitude with a week of beloved traditions. 

  

The entire campus community gathered in the Great Hall on Thursday, Nov. 21, for the All-School Thanksgiving Convocation. Eugene McDermott Headmaster David W. Dini welcomed boys and teachers and reflected on the many blessings they share as a community. 

 

“As Thanksgiving approaches, I'm grateful for every single Marksman in this room. I'm proud of what you achieve and contribute, but even more importantly, I'm proud of the young men you are and the values you strive to demonstrate every day.” Dini said. “I'm grateful when you take time to hold the door for those behind you and when you stop and pick up trash on the Quad. I'm grateful that you pay attention to the well-being of others and you step up when people are in need.” 

 

Assistant Head of Middle School Jason Lange then shared some poignant reflections on gratitude. Lange recently marked one year since receiving a life-saving heart transplant.  

 

“The past year has taught me that living a life of gratitude requires a shift in thinking, a shift from what's lacking to what's abundant,” Lange said. “Gratitude isn't just about the good times. It's also about learning to find the value in struggle. The setbacks I've faced this year have certainly taught me more than I could have ever imagined about resilience, courage, and determination." 

 

As students look ahead to the Thanksgiving Break, Thursday also marked the end of several traditions. Earlier in the week, the Class of 2026 kicked off the holidays with a LEGO-themed McDonald’s Week. Each morning, students gathered at the Preston/Royal McDonald’s for fun, games, and, of course, food. The boys held ping pong and basketball competitions, enjoyed an explosive chemistry show with Mr. Owens, sold t-shirts and raffle tickets, and assembled plenty of LEGOs. 

  

In addition to bringing the community together, McDonald’s Week is also a tradition that unites the junior class around a common goal. This year’s McDonald’s Week efforts were led by co-chairs Weston Chance ’26, Dilan Koganti ’26, and Sammy Blumenthal ’26, with support from the junior class officers. 

 

“We’ve seen bonds between classmates strengthened as we work closely in various committees, pushing each other toward the common goal of making our McDonald’s Week a massive success,” said junior class president Andrew Zhang ’26. “We’ve also gained the confidence that, as we continue into our senior year, we will be well-equipped to serve and lead the School.” 

 

All of the proceeds from the week will be collected and donated to Austin Street Center, one of Dallas’s largest homeless shelters, where the junior class will also serve food at next month’s Austin Street Dinner. 

Thursday also marked the end of another beloved Upper School tradition: No-Shave November. Throughout the month, St. Mark’s Student Council has been selling wristbands that exempt Upper School students from the “no facial hair” policy. The funds from wristband sales support men’s cancer education, prevention programs, and patient support services. This year, seniors invited their Lower School buddies to join in the No-Shave activity – by way of fake mustaches. No-Shave November followed October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, during which students “pinked out” varsity games with shirts supporting cancer research. The pink-out was also promoted through a powerful Upper School assembly talk by Wyatt Loher ’25.

  

On Friday, Nov. 22, boys will come to school clean-shaven and ready for the month’s final holiday tradition: Grandparents’ Day. The School will host hundreds of special guests for a look at daily life on campus. Grandparents will attend class with their Marksman, experiencing the full array of St. Mark’s academics, athletics, and fine arts, before officially departing for the Thanksgiving Break. 

  

While December is a short month, it will be full of many beloved and longstanding traditions. Throughout it all, Marksmen and their families will carry a spirit of gratitude into the holiday season. 

  

Upcoming holiday traditions include…