Traditions

Each year begins with the Head of School announcing a “word of the year” to study and celebrate as a community.

Henry’s Corner, honoring Henry Lane, is St. Sebastian’s spirited, sportsmanlike fan section supporting the Arrows.

Each summer, the community reads a shared book—often an inspiring true story of adversity—and many authors have visited to speak at the Summer Reading Assembly at the beginning of the school year.

Service is central to St. Sebastian’s mission. Each year, the community gives back through drives, volunteering, and projects such as the Thanksgiving Food Drive, Winter Warmth Drive, Backpack Drive, Miracle League, and the Memory Project.

Each year, students in grades 7–11 deliver speeches in weekly Chapel, culminating in the Senior Chapel Speech. Seniors share their speeches with the entire school community, followed by a response from the Head of School.

Each Monday morning, students and faculty gather to pray, sing, hear Scripture and Senior Chapel Speeches, receive encouragement from the Head of School, and share campus announcements.

Since the 75th Anniversary in 2016, St. Sebastian’s has marked its September 29 founding with a special assembly and guest speaker honoring the School’s history and mission.

Each fall, students, families, alumni, and friends gather for Homecoming, enjoying games, food, and activities, with the weekend kicking off at the annual cross country race.

This annual tradition fosters awareness of human dignity and unity, helping the community grow in its commitment to know, love, and serve God and neighbor. The day features a guest speaker, small-group discussions, and reflections, with recent themes including disabilities and the impact of social media.

Each December, the community gathers for the beloved Christmas Card Assembly, writing notes of gratitude and encouragement on cards featuring student artwork, which are later delivered by cheerful faculty “elves.”

Each December, Henry’s Corner packs the stands in costume for Silent Night, staying quiet until the Arrows’ tenth point unleashes a roar.

Students, faculty, and families gather in St. Bartholomew for a festive Christmas program with scripture readings and performances by the Jazz Band, Rock Band, and our a cappella group, The Arrowheads.

Each year, the Arrows take on Tabor Academy in the Travis Roy Cup, a tradition honoring the inspiring legacy of Travis Roy and celebrating perseverance, sportsmanship, and community.

At the end of April, grandparents and special friends join students for a beloved day of classes, Mass, lunch, and a dessert reception.

Underclassmen mark the end of the year with an annual field day, competing on red and black teams.

St. Sebastian’s Commencement in early June is a meaningful day of traditions, beginning with the Head of School’s Walk across campus.