A History of Unique and Memorable Traditions
Moments That Define Our Community
The school experience at Veritas Academy is peppered with several “only at Veritas” moments - those annual hallmarks that have blossomed over the years from passionate, creative, fun-loving faculty and students. We take every opportunity to put our knowledge into action by promoting community through rich and meaningful experiences...and sometimes through downright funny and quirky experiences, too. These traditions stretch the imagination and foster development of ideas, character, and values.
Feasts for the Senses and Soul
A hallmark of Classical Christian education includes the immersion of students into the time period or literature pieces that they study. Culture, theology, arts, literature, and more come to life through various class feasts held throughout the year. From grammar school through high school, students have the chance to step into another time and place and enjoy feasting together in celebration of what they're learning.
Pancakes and Hilarity on Shrove Tuesday
In the spirit of the great European tradition - also referred to as Fastnacht Day or Fat Tuesday - our annual “pancake race” reminds us of the coming of the Lenten season...but with quite a fun twist!
Secondary houses plan a costume competition theme and skit for weeks leading up to the event, and the epic scale seems to increase with each year. After the presentations, students head outside to compete by house in a wacky pancake-flipping relay race, for the honors of receiving the Aunt Jemima Trophy!
Pokenberry Falls and the Sacred Gourd Smashing
Former Veritas teacher Tom Becker brought the quirky Pokenberry Falls race to our school as a fun house activity many years ago. Eventually, it became a yearly tradition to run the "Falls," which basically involves a massively intense leapfrog-type race up the back hill of our school.
The story goes that the first year we made the competition official, the winning House was presented with a gourd. Unfortunately, the House President dropped the gourd and it broke. So, since that fateful year, the race has ended with a ceremonial Gourd Smashing. The winning house gets the gourd trophy for the year...which is actually the original gourd, cleaned out and painted silver so it is preserved forever!
Music and Merriment of Holiday Madrigals
Every two years, Veritas holds a Christmas Madrigal Feast, a rich and grand affair complete with a royal court, a masque (that is, a short comedic and interactive play) and a hearty meal. Our Madrigal Feast is open to the public for three performances and billed as a festive dinner theater experience for the whole family. Parents and students join together as actors, servers, and more to pull together this glorious event!
Morning Memory Period
All grammar school students begin each morning together in the cafeteria with a time of reciting chants and singing memory songs that reinforce geography, math, Bible, grammar, history, and Latin! This time concludes with our school prayer, a traditional hymn, and a charge to students as they start their day to the glory of God.
Fall Family Fun at The Great Pumpkin Chase
It's a favorite Grammar School event that includes a fall fest and a one-mile cross country run, where students try to beat "The Pumpkin" (ie, a school administrator dressed in an awesome pumpkin costume)! Secondary Student Government takes charge of food and games, and it's a school community-wide celebration! More information is found here.
History, Chivalry, and Laughter at the Colonial Ball
With a Colonial dance caller, live (historically accurate band) and era-appropriate food, students and administrators are encouraged to come dressed in their “Colonial best.” Because dances involve large groups working together, everyone gets involved on the dance floor, making for a truly joyful and fun time (even for middle school boys, believe it or not!). It's a splendid and elegant occasion, where the community gets to step back in time, learn some new (or, old) dance moves, and make beautiful memories for a lifetime.
Little History Buffs Flex Their Knowledge
Yes, lots of schools have spelling bees (we do, too), but how many have a History Bee? Our grammar school’s greatest "historians" take the stage each May to showcase their vast knowledge. Students from 2nd-6th grade amaze the audience as they answer question after question about significant events, people, cultures, battles and more spanning thousands of years of world and US history!