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.
![senior tea]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1780504623/emmawillardorg/mpfnjoamba61ehj8vzkl/8G7A2778.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1780504623/emmawillardorg/mpfnjoamba61ehj8vzkl/8G7A2778.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1780504623/emmawillardorg/mpfnjoamba61ehj8vzkl/8G7A2778.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1780504623/emmawillardorg/mpfnjoamba61ehj8vzkl/8G7A2778.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1780504623/emmawillardorg/mpfnjoamba61ehj8vzkl/8G7A2778.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1780504623/emmawillardorg/mpfnjoamba61ehj8vzkl/8G7A2778.jpg","width":2200}])
A beloved tradition At Emma, seniors gathered with Head of School Dr. Lassey for tea and sandwiches last Thursday under the tent. For more photos, click Read More below.
![Flame Ceremony]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779902886/emmawillardorg/tx2ix4nqzqbrirpizunj/8G7A2314-Enhanced-NR-1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779902886/emmawillardorg/tx2ix4nqzqbrirpizunj/8G7A2314-Enhanced-NR-1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1779902886/emmawillardorg/tx2ix4nqzqbrirpizunj/8G7A2314-Enhanced-NR-1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1779902886/emmawillardorg/tx2ix4nqzqbrirpizunj/8G7A2314-Enhanced-NR-1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1779902886/emmawillardorg/tx2ix4nqzqbrirpizunj/8G7A2314-Enhanced-NR-1.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1779902886/emmawillardorg/tx2ix4nqzqbrirpizunj/8G7A2314-Enhanced-NR-1.jpg","width":2200}])
Last week, student leaders passed flames to new leaders, symbolizing the passing of knowledge and experience. Keemayaa J. ’27 gave an inspiring speech about what it means to be a leader at Emma Willard School and beyond! To view more photographs, click 'Read more' below.
![Awards Night!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779893352/emmawillardorg/eqq727mkhjn2plxuqze3/AwardsNight_33.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779893352/emmawillardorg/eqq727mkhjn2plxuqze3/AwardsNight_33.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1779893352/emmawillardorg/eqq727mkhjn2plxuqze3/AwardsNight_33.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1779893352/emmawillardorg/eqq727mkhjn2plxuqze3/AwardsNight_33.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1779893352/emmawillardorg/eqq727mkhjn2plxuqze3/AwardsNight_33.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1779893352/emmawillardorg/eqq727mkhjn2plxuqze3/AwardsNight_33.jpg","width":2200}])
Last Friday night, advisors gathered with their advisees to celebrate Awards Night! A delicious meal was followed by awards given to students for work in all departments, including practicum, athletics, and more! Photographed above are Associate Director of Equity and Inclusion Gemma Halfi and Community Engagement Opportunity (CEO) Award winner Alex B. ’28. For more photos, click ‘Read more’ below.
![students dancing around may pole]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1778077180/emmawillardorg/wbaxfde3fat2u7dfbn0e/mayday2026_16.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1778077180/emmawillardorg/wbaxfde3fat2u7dfbn0e/mayday2026_16.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1778077180/emmawillardorg/wbaxfde3fat2u7dfbn0e/mayday2026_16.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1778077180/emmawillardorg/wbaxfde3fat2u7dfbn0e/mayday2026_16.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1778077180/emmawillardorg/wbaxfde3fat2u7dfbn0e/mayday2026_16.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1778077180/emmawillardorg/wbaxfde3fat2u7dfbn0e/mayday2026_16.jpg","width":2200}])
The sun shone bright for May Day, held on the Senior Triangle last Friday. Faculty and staff who were leaving Emma Willard or celebrating milestone work anniversaries were honored, and select 12th grade, 11th grade, and 9th grade students danced for the May Court. To see more photos from the event, click ‘Read More’ below.