Traditions

Red/White Competition
Since the 19th century, the Stuart Hall School community has been divided into two teams—Red and White. Throughout the year, friendly competitions are held, culminating with Red & White Field Day. The team with the highest score is awarded a trophy and bragging rights. New students attend a special ceremony at the beginning of the year to select their colors. Legacy students can choose to accept the color of their parent or sibling or participate in the drawing.

Honor Code Signing
Stuart Hall’s Honor Code is a special part of the School, distinct from all other expectations and is one of the most valuable traditions in Stuart Hall’s history. The Honor Code is based on the principles of mutual trust and honesty. The Honor Code provides the School community with an environment of cooperative spirit, respect, and truthfulness.

At the beginning of the academic year, a chapel ceremony is held in which students sign the Honor Code, demonstrating an understanding of the Honor Code at Stuart Hall School and a willingness to abide by its principles.

“As a member of the Stuart Hall School community, I will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate the behavior of those who do.”

Ring Ceremony
Ring Ceremony is held each year in the fall when seniors are presented with the School ring, a black onyx engraved with SH. The style of the ring is fashioned after that of the Bishop, and has been used since the 1920s. The ring is worn with the SH facing toward the student until after graduation, when it is turned with SH turned outward. It is traditional for the seniors to have their class rings turned by friends and families corresponding to the number of their class year. For example, members of the Class of 2024 chose to have their rings turned 24 or 124 times. The last turn is reserved for a special person, who turns the ring towards the senior’s heart. The School now offers other symbolic options (e.g., ties and cuff links) to incorporate a broader student body.

Senior Steps
The front steps of Old Main are reserved for the use of the Senior Class, faculty and staff, and visitors. Seniors or faculty/staff may invite underclass students to accompany them on the Senior Steps.

Loving Cup Ceremony/Ushers
Each senior selects an usher and a sub-usher, who are Stuart Hall School students or alumnae/i in good standing, to participate in these ceremonies. Sub-ushers toast the seniors in the Loving Cup ceremony the night before graduation. Ushers form an arch with shepherds’ crooks under which the seniors process during the Graduation service.