On May 3, 2025, after spending a nice day outside—or, for some juniors like me, sitting through the SAT—students attended Concord Academy’s annual formal. While many other schools call it prom and only allow juniors or seniors to attend, CA does a wonderful job of including students of all grades to participate in a night full of dancing and celebration.
Following long-standing tradition, juniors and seniors gathered on the chapel lawn, and sophomores and freshmen congregated on the quad for professional photos to be taken. However, the clear skies turned cloudy, and we came face-to-face with a downpour. Nevertheless, after the student body went inside the Stu-Fac, CAC, or Chapel, mozzarella sticks were eaten, and photos in the indoor setting still made their way onto students’ Instagrams.
Despite the weather debacle and many attempts to keep their styled hair dry, students were again on the move, this time boarding buses headed for the New England Aquarium. After the long, bustling, and slightly uncomfortable ride, others and I excitedly bounded to the aquarium doors. Once I stepped inside, my nose was greeted with a fishy smell, which I quickly forgot about once I saw a fish tank three stories tall, surrounded by a spiral walkway. Not to mention, there was a whole penguin enclosure at the bottom of the tank. It was quite a sight. Students began to mingle, take photos, eat tacos, and watch all varieties of fish species.
What captivated my attention the most were the penguins. Some were resting, some were swimming, and some stood there looking back at my friends and me. Perhaps one of the cutest moments was when some stood with their eyes closed, basking in front of the sprinkler system. These penguins were one of the top highlights of the night.
Once we were done spending time with the animals and exploring the aquarium, we made our way to where most students had now migrated: the waterfront patio, featuring a dance floor and an ice cream station serving delicious Dippin’ Dots. Despite the dampness from the rain, many students left the tent enclosing the dance floor to watch the boats on the harbor or take pictures. The backdrop, like many aspects of the evening, was beautiful.
Finally, to finish off the event, there was one of CA’s infamous mosh pits. Although it leaves you hoarse and sweaty, the mosh pit is an energizing activity that students always look forward to. The DJ supplied tasteful music, and moshing did not stop until the very end of the night. Assistant Head for Student Life Grant Hightower and Student Activities Coordinator Sandy Nash, who had the biggest roles in organizing this event, even made appearances on the floor, killing it with their dance moves.
It was an incredible and unforgettable night. The CA community is very grateful for all the work from faculty and staff to make it both rewarding and safe. I am very excited to see what is in store for next year!