Carrying the Light

Ring Ceremony first became a Marlborough tradition in 1933. Forty years later, in 1973, the tradition took the shape it holds today: each spring, members of the Junior class receive their class ring, marking the passage into their final school year at Marlborough. On May 14, the Class of 2027 carried on this time-honored tradition as they celebrated their Ring Ceremony. 

Head of Upper School Regina Rosi Mitchell opened the ceremony by highlighting the deep significance of the milestone: “Ring Ceremony is one of Marlborough’s most cherished traditions. It is a moment that marks both an ending and a beginning: the culmination of Junior year and the exciting transition to the Class of 2027’s final year of Upper School. But more than that, it connects our students to generations of Marlborough alumnae who have shared in this tradition—a thread of continuity that stretches back nearly a century.”

Witnessing this continuity firsthand, parents, guardians, faculty, and loved ones all gathered to celebrate the Class of 2027 and commemorate the moment they become the student leaders of the School. As part of the tradition, each Junior has a candle that is lit by someone integral to their Marlborough journey. Most Juniors share this moment with their Advisors, and some have alumnae relatives do the honors of lighting their candle. The glow represents shared light and wisdom passed from one generation to the next. 

The intergenerational bond was especially strong this year: 24 alumnae—mothers, grandmothers, sisters, and aunts of the Class of 2027—were present to celebrate, a testament to the enduring bonds of  the alumnae community.

Moments before each Junior’s name was read and their candle was ignited, Head of School Jennifer Ciccarelli spoke directly to them. She asked them to think back to their first day of Marlborough, to remember the way they had looked up to the Seniors above them, and to understand what that means now.

“You are those people now,” Ms. Ciccarelli told the Class of 2027. “That is not a small thing. Every 7th grader who walks through the front gates in August will look at you the same way you once looked at the Seniors above you. They will watch how you carry yourselves. They will take their cues from you. They will decide, based in no small part on what they see from you, what it means to be a Marlborough student.”

The Class of 2027 is more than prepared to take on the leadership role. She added, “Wear your class ring proudly. Let it remind you every day of the leader you are becoming and of the example you have the opportunity to set.” 

As the ceremony concluded with the singing of the Alma Mater, the Class of 2026 flooded the halls and formed a tunnel, cheering loudly and beaming widely. As the Class of 2027 rushed through it, the metaphorical baton was officially passed. Congratulations to the Class of 2027!  We can’t wait to see all that you do in your final year at Marlborough.