The school hosted an Ash Wednesday observance on March 4, offering ashes to students and faculty on both campuses.

Ash Wednesday begins the 40-day observance of Lent, a period of reflection, prayer and fasting, which culminates on Easter Sunday which falls on April 20 this year. Traditionally, ashes are placed in the shape of a cross on the forehead of the observant as a symbol of faith.

Chaplain Anne Gardner has facilitated the distribution of ashes since her arrival at the school in 2020. Gardner said the observance allows students and faculty to express their faith publicly.

“Although we are not a religiously affiliated school, offering this on-campus programming allows those who are devout to conveniently participate in the traditions of their faith,” Gardner said.

Christian Club Co-Leader Andrew Suh ’26 said the observance of Ash Wednesday sparked interest in students.

“I love to see students and teachers with ashes on their forehead for Ash Wednesday because it shows that there are Christians who are not just proclaimed but showing it as well,” Suh said. “My Latin teacher came to class with ash on his head and it sparked interest in our class into what that meant. I hope that Ash Wednesday is a way to inspire both Christians and non-Christians into demonstrating more interest and respect towards Christianity at school.”

Christian Club Co-Leader Rex Grube ’25 said the observance serves to unite the Christian community.

“The ash not only represents repentance but also the gathering of the Christian community, and I believe that  is crucial to the unity of Christians inside the school and out,” Grube said. “Ash Wednesday is  important because it helps Christians bring themselves closer to Jesus and the Bible. I hope it helps bring us all closer together with our shared experiences and makes us a stronger community.”