Every year, the Mepham Alumni Association joins the holiday caroling event at the cul-de-sac on Circle Drive. The event first began in 1948 by choral director H. Walton Alderfer, and ever since then, the Alumni Association, Mepham’s Choral Department, and anyone in the area can attend and have a wonderful time spreading holiday cheer in one of the best ways possible: through song!
The event begins with MephAcapella and Concert Choir singing many carols, such as “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” and many more. Next, there is a special rendition of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” led by alumni who were part of the choir during their years at Mepham. This rendition adds movements to the song; instead of singing the word “nose,” you touch your nose! It is an incredibly fun and uniting experience for those who currently attend Mepham and for the alumni who are reminiscing about their time at the school.
The event is one of the greatest community-building experiences for students who take choir. When asked about her viewpoint on the event, choir Senior Olivia Markardt shared, “The Circle Drive Christmas caroling is one of my favorite choir events of the year. It’s so wholesome to get to sing and chat with alumni who also participated in these music programs during their time at Mepham. It’s comforting to know that the joy Mepham choir brings has continued for so long. The event itself is so special. Holiday cheer is very evident, and I’m really glad that in the recent two years, the event has expanded!”
The night comes to a close with cookies and hot chocolate provided by the residents of Circle Drive. This portion of the event provides time for students and alumni to speak with each other. During this time, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. George Ruggi, a Mepham alum who also performed in front of Pope John Paul II. When asked what this event meant to him, he said, “It’s been over 50 years since I was in school, and it’s nice to see the tradition still going. It’s also nice to see the next choir come in. I was just talking to one of the seniors, and she said, ‘Yes, even my father went to Mepham, and he graduated in 1990. He wasn’t born when I graduated in 1970!’” Speaking with such a talented and kind man was an honor.
Overall, the event is a uniting and amazing experience for all who attend. The holiday spirit elevates the unity of the community in a way that is unparalleled to anything else. I hope you come, enjoy the holiday cheer, and sing with us next year.