Winter Program 2025

On Friday, December 19, 2025, the Collegiate community gathered for the annual Winter Program. The Winter Program is a coveted event that takes place at the Church of St. Paul the Apostle, where students, parents, faculty, and staff gather to celebrate, sing, and reflect before the start of winter break.

The event began with students and guests singing “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Edward Pola and George Wyle. Afterward, the Collegiate Orchestra played “Angels in the Bleak Midwinter” by Larry Clark. Mr. Owen Boynton, Director of Academic Affairs and Student Services, formally opened the program with reflections and a poem titled "Courtesy" by David Ferry. 

Quentin M. ’31, Powers M. ’32, and Wallace W. ’33 read “The Celebration of Light”, which was followed by the Middle School Chorus singing “The Shepard’s Spiritual” arranged by Donald Moore. In recognition of Hanukkah, Ari K. ’26 read a moving piece after which all attendees joined in singing Mordkhe Rivesman’s “Oh Hanukkah”. 

The Winter Program continued with performances by grades two and three, who sang “Ocho Kandelikas” by Flory Jagoda and “Let it Snow” by Jule Styne with lyrics by Sammy Cahn. Logan J. ’26 read Timothy Steele’s “Toward the Winter Solstice”, which was followed by the UnDutchables performing “Angels We Have Heard on High”, a traditional carol with lyrics by James Chadwick. 

The Upper School Chorus performed a seasonal favorite, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” by Kim Gannon and Walter Kent. Ruben C. ’30 read Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s “Ring Out, Wild Bells” from “In Memoriam A. H. H.” Grade four performed “Feliz Navidad” by Jose Feliciano, and “Winter Song” by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson.

At the tail end of the Winter Program, the Collegiate Orchestra, Jazz Band, and Collegiate Chorus performed “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen. Kindergarten and grade one sang “Simple Gifts” by Joseph Brackett and “This Little Light of Mine” by Harry Dixon Loes. All attendees sang “Winter Wonderland” by Richard Smith and Felix Bernard. The Winter Program concluded with a farewell from Mr. Owen Boynton and the postlude of “A Joyful Celebration” by George Frideric Handel.