Alumni reconnect with classmates at Homecoming.

SEPTEMBER

Middle School Retreat
At the beginning of each year, the Middle School attends an overnight retreat. The retreat provides an opportunity for the Middle School students and teachers to get to know one another and kicks off the Junior Proctor Program, a program that helps Middle School students make a smooth transition through their middle school years.

Convocation
This official opening of the school year is marked by the Headmaster's welcome and address to the school community. Each year a new theme is introduced to guide the community through the academic year. Recent themes have included 'Raise the Bar,' 'Take the Lead,'and 'Make a Difference.' Convocation is a required event for all students, and formal dress is worn.

OCTOBER

Homecoming/Reunion Weekend
A two-day celebration for students, parents, and alumni begins with a pep rally and giant bonfire. All varsity athletic teams compete on campus. Classes host booths to raise money, selling baked goods, Pennington paraphernalia, hot chocolate, and hamburgers. Other special events include a 5K run, student/alumni field hockey and soccer games, Athletic Hall of Fame inductions, and the Order of the Tower presentation.

NOVEMBER

Parents Association Gala
This is the largest fundraising event of the year for the Parents Association. Held off campus, recent galas have included live and silent auctions, black tie dinner, and an evening of dancing. This is a social event not to be missed!

Kingswood Day
In 1963, Pennington welcomed Dr. A. B. Sackett, headmaster of the Kingswood School in Bath, England, to campus. During his visit, Dr. Sackett told students about his school's tradition of declaring surprise one-day holidays. In his honor, the tradition was started at Pennington, at first as a school holiday declared at breakfast by the Headmaster. Since 1983, Kingswood Day has been scheduled on the school calendar.

DECEMBER

HomeFront Holiday Party
After Thanksgiving, the Peer Leaders organize a toy drive to gather holiday gifts for needy children. Shortly before winter vacation begins, the School hosts a holiday party for homeless families in cooperation with a local agency, HomeFront; many students, faculty, and staff volunteer their time and talents to make the event a success. During the party, a festive meal is served, students play games with the visiting children, and Santa distributes the gifts.

	The candlelight service ushers in the holiday season.

Candlelight Service
A traditional Advent service celebrates the holiday season with the lighting of candles, scripture readings, and performance by the Pennington Singers. An offering is taken for the Rescue Mission of Trenton. Formal dress is required. A reception follows the service in the Dining Hall.

FEBRUARY

Senior Dinner
This event is scheduled approximately 100 days before graduation. The evening starts with a reception at Corson House, followed by a banquet in the Dining Hall. The night is marked with speeches and reflections on the students' time at Pennington as they lead into their final months on campus.

MARCH

Stephen Crane Lecture
Named after the author of The Red Badge of Courage, who was a student at Pennington and whose father was headmaster from 1849 to 1858, the annual lecture features a prominent author, entertainer, or motivational speaker. Recent guests have included James McBride, Herman Boone, and Frank Runyeon.

MAY

Senior Internship
Seniors who are in good academic and social standing have the opportunity to participate in the off-campus Senior Internship Program. During the four weeks before Commencement, participating seniors spend approximately 25 hours weekly under the mentorship of a professional in the 'outside world.' Past internship hosts have included senators, attorneys, teachers, veterinarians, athletic teams, graphic designers, and business executives.

Spring Fling
After a half-day of classes, students and faculty take an afternoon off before heading into the busy final week of school and exams. The highlight of the afternoon is the 2-on-2 basketball tournament, which includes more than 75 teams made up of students, faculty, alumni, and parents. Other events might include volleyball games, water balloon fights, Frisbee contests, and food! Student bands also play throughout the afternoon.

	Pennington graduates are honored for their hardwork and achievement during Commencement.

JUNE

Middle School Graduation
A required event for Middle School students, the Thursday evening ceremony includes special Middle School awards and eighth-grade graduation. A Pennington tradition permits alumni, faculty members, or trustees to present diplomas to their graduating children or siblings. Formal dress is required for sixth and seventh grade students, with special graduation clothing for the eighth-grade graduates. The ceremony is followed by a reception on O'Hanlon Lawn.

Prize Night
An evening program the night before Commencement recognizes academic and extracurricular achievement by Upper School students, including awards for each academic department, volunteer service, citizenship, and the Monique Visser Award. Prize Night is a required event for Upper School students, and formal school dress is required.

Senior Breakfast
Seniors and their families are invited to start Graduation Day with a breakfast buffet in the Dining Hall. During the breakfast, the Headmaster and Head of Upper School address the graduating class and their parents. The highlight of the meal is the reading of the Senior Poem, which includes every member of the graduating class.

Baccalaureate
A final chapel service for the graduating seniors draws the class together for a time of reflection before the graduation ceremony. It is a required event for seniors, and immediate family members are cordially invited. Seniors wear their graduation robes for the service.

Commencement
In a ceremony filled with pomp and circumstance, the seniors' final moments at The Pennington School are celebrated on the lawn in front of Old Main. A Pennington tradition permits alumni, faculty members, or trustees to present diplomas to their graduating children or siblings. A luncheon on O'Hanlon Lawn follows the ceremony.

Golf Classic
A day on the golf course spent with friends and old classmates is a great way to start the summer. This fundraising event sponsored by the Alumni and Development Office includes more than 150 participants, many of whom are current parents, faculty, trustees, and alumni. In addition to playing golf, there are contests throughout the day with a variety of exciting prizes.