Traditions
Emma Willard School’s unique, 200-year history is proudly honored through our traditions. These cherished events bind together generations of Emma students, and are the shared memories that last between friends for a lifetime.
The experience of receiving your Emma ring, stepping on to the Senior Triangle for the first time, and making your entrance on the Revels stage are defining moments for many of our girls. Other traditions that mark special moments throughout the year include Eventide, Sophomore Tree Decorating, Peanuts and Shells, May Day, Principal’s Play Day, Ring Dinner, Senior Tea, Senior Retreat, Baccalaureate, and more.
![A New Era of Eventide]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1765564715/emmawillardorg/jqvindpi46zp0owcx84t/Eventide2025_29.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1765564715/emmawillardorg/jqvindpi46zp0owcx84t/Eventide2025_29.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1765564715/emmawillardorg/jqvindpi46zp0owcx84t/Eventide2025_29.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1765564715/emmawillardorg/jqvindpi46zp0owcx84t/Eventide2025_29.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1765564715/emmawillardorg/jqvindpi46zp0owcx84t/Eventide2025_29.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1765564715/emmawillardorg/jqvindpi46zp0owcx84t/Eventide2025_29.png","width":1620}])
Snow flurries throughout the afternoon promised the perfect backdrop for the annual Eventide concert on Mount Ida. With the newly renovated Klingenstein Concert Hall promising plenty of seating, the orchestras and choirs performed to a packed audience.
![Having a Gourd Time: Emmaween 2025]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761940281/emmawillardorg/hxey5hr7e5ynpi3mr78n/8G7A0360-Enhanced-NR.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1761940281/emmawillardorg/hxey5hr7e5ynpi3mr78n/8G7A0360-Enhanced-NR.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1761940281/emmawillardorg/hxey5hr7e5ynpi3mr78n/8G7A0360-Enhanced-NR.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1761940281/emmawillardorg/hxey5hr7e5ynpi3mr78n/8G7A0360-Enhanced-NR.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1761940281/emmawillardorg/hxey5hr7e5ynpi3mr78n/8G7A0360-Enhanced-NR.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1761940281/emmawillardorg/hxey5hr7e5ynpi3mr78n/8G7A0360-Enhanced-NR.png","width":2200}])
When October beckons through the trees at Emma Willard School, there's a palpable shift in the atmosphere: Ms. Maher’s decorations begin to transform the historic halls starting late-September. This isn't just any Halloween celebration—this is Emmaween, a beloved tradition that brings together the entire Emma Willard community in a spectacular display of creativity, school spirit, and festive fun.
![Installation Celebration Honors Dr. Karen Lassey]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1760986516/emmawillardorg/vpv8wu2ewj2tbukkk09z/EWS_5513_fnl_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1760986516/emmawillardorg/vpv8wu2ewj2tbukkk09z/EWS_5513_fnl_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1760986516/emmawillardorg/vpv8wu2ewj2tbukkk09z/EWS_5513_fnl_1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1760986516/emmawillardorg/vpv8wu2ewj2tbukkk09z/EWS_5513_fnl_1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1760986516/emmawillardorg/vpv8wu2ewj2tbukkk09z/EWS_5513_fnl_1.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1760986516/emmawillardorg/vpv8wu2ewj2tbukkk09z/EWS_5513_fnl_1.jpg","width":1620}])
On October 16, 2025, the Emma community gathered on Mount Ida to celebrate the installation of Dr. Karen C. Lassey as the 18th in a legacy of distinguished leaders of Emma Willard School.
![Senior Tea]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749050627/emmawillardorg/znezlk4tq9lamcflmgf3/SeniorTea_23.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749050627/emmawillardorg/znezlk4tq9lamcflmgf3/SeniorTea_23.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1749050627/emmawillardorg/znezlk4tq9lamcflmgf3/SeniorTea_23.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1749050627/emmawillardorg/znezlk4tq9lamcflmgf3/SeniorTea_23.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1749050627/emmawillardorg/znezlk4tq9lamcflmgf3/SeniorTea_23.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1749050627/emmawillardorg/znezlk4tq9lamcflmgf3/SeniorTea_23.png","width":2200}])
A beloved tradition at Emma, seniors gathered with Head of School Jenny Rao for tea and sandwiches on Friday. They received their own teaspoons, and necklaces engraved with the coordinates of the senior triangle. For more photos, click Read More below.