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Knights for a Day

Last week I had the honor of dubbing our third graders "Knights of Saint David's" in the annual Medieval Knighting Ceremony held in our school Chapel.

These boys are nearing the end of their time in the Lower School and this ceremony stands as a rite of passage in which they accept their call to be leaders.


The boys prepare for this ceremony through interdisciplinary learning about Medieval times. They read a variety of fiction and non-fiction books related to the Middle Ages, go on a quest throughout the school in which they demonstrate characteristics of good men and knights, and write original fairy tales set during the period.

By the time the Knighting Ceremony rolls around, the boys have also learned about heraldry and created their own Coat of Arms.  Each 'shield' is displayed on the walls of the 'Banquet Room.'

After the ceremony, we all adjourned to the small gym for a delicious Medieval feast, and entertainment via our recorder players, and our eighth grade jugglers, fencers, jesters, story tellers. The boys had a wonderful time, as did all of the teachers present.

The day is brought to fruition each year through the work of so many, including the boys' teachers, our music department, and our dining services.  Their efforts produce a marvelous, meaningful and memorable tradition that speaks to the ideals espoused in our mission and which also happens to be a great deal of fun.





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