Juniors Jordan Dunbar, Alice Croom, and Kristine Olsen
Behind the glamour
Juniors Rachel Keller and Monica Nadeau
and the dresses
Seniors (and roomies) Buse (Sunny) Duz and Sunyul (Michelle) Kwak
and the smiles
Dorm head Julia Nickles and hall teacher Courtney Harrigan
are a whole bunch of adults in sweatshirts. Just as excited as the students.
Junior Natalie Hackett and Courtney Harrigan
I can’t speak for the boys’ dormitories, but in Main (where sophomore through senior girls reside), watching the students depart for winter formal was one of the highlights of the weekend.
Hall teacher Michelle Ruess (standing on chair) and dorm head Avis Leverett (in pink shirt)
To me the moment encapsulated everything we try to do as dorm parents: be supportive. Keep organized. Take pictures. With many families far away, we filled that role wholeheartedly, offering hugs and compliments and the occasional advice on footwear. We wanted each girl to feel as beautiful as she looked.
The girls were stunning, but more importantly, they seemed happy. They humored the adults who made them pose for photo after photo
Making C’s for Central (Central Main, our dorm)
and only got a little bit silly.
The holiday festivities continued the following day, with a dorm wide Yankee Swap (hot gift item: pink Snuggie), a candlelit Meeting for Worship with readings and music, and an elegant holiday dinner. Even the beloved flamingos made an appearance in the Meeting centerpiece!
There are moments when dorm parenting (like real parenting) can seem focused on the humdrum. Study. Clean your room. Call your mother. These small things are part of building a relationship, and it’s important to have conversations about homework and college and why uneaten tacos shouldn’t be left in the hallway. But this weekend, it was lovely to simply celebrate the season and the students. Gathered in Midway with the residents of Main, decked out in their semi-formal finery, I felt every bit the proud parent. I just happen to have 41 teenage girls.
Top photo by Courtney Harrigan
The winter holiday traditions were some of my favorites from GS. Is there still the “Christmas in Main” tradition? This is were the prefects and hall teachers stay up all night decorating the hall for us. Then they wake us at 6:00am for celebrations.
I certainly hope so! It was a very special time on the hall! Surprise decorations and food! Hot chocolate and more! Then there was the fun of visiting other halls, with your hall all going as a group! What a way to start the day!