The Tradition of House Dinners

11 January 2023Neve M, Hope ‘23; Photo by Ashley W, Alex '23

2020 was a year for the books, riddled with covid and countless restrictions. The human population suffered many losses in their daily routines. Events were canceled everywhere, diminishing all concerts, competitions, and even restaurant dining. This caused distress, all over the world, and on the Brentwood campus. 2020 became one of the only lulls in the tradition of House Dinners before Winter Break. The tradition, struck down by Covid, returned last year and will reoccur again this year, hopefully, to stay indefinitely.

On the night of December 15th, all students left campus and attend dinner at a local restaurant. Students get the opportunity to eat at golf courses, oceanside restaurants, and many more, depending on your boarding house.

“Last year was my first house dinner, but it was a super special experience. I look forward to it this year. I think it is one of the best house outings. We rarely ever get to be altogether off-campus, enjoying good food. I felt really connected to my grade and house before leaving for Winter Break last year. I hope to feel that way again this year”, stated Mariana S, Hope ‘24.

It is true that the House Dinners offer special bonding experiences, unique from other events. When asked about the connection nurtured in this night, Ms Hedquist offered that “The dinners are one of the few times each year that the Houses get to be together off campus, and somehow, it always makes most of us realize how special it is to be part of the House”.

Personally, it appears to me that part the significance of the dinner is the date. The days near break are an emotional time for all students, therefore, being together with our peers reminds us of the value of our housemates. Many students also realize how much they will miss one another over the expanse of time away from school.

The only question is, how did these traditions come to be? Unfortunately, they peceeded Ms Hedquist’s time at Brentwood. When questioned about the origin of the special dinner, she explained that “When I arrived at BCS and worked in Alex House, the tradition was in full swing, so I just kept it going once I started in Hope”. Students curious about the beginnings of these annually recurring dinners are encouraged to ask their Houseparents.

I hope everyone enjoyed their House Dinner, and had a restful, well-deserved break. Term Two is upon us!

Neve M, Hope ‘23

Where Students Choose To Be