Traditions
Founded in 1839, Episcopal is rooted in tradition. The following events take place every school year and offer opportunities for our community to come together and celebrate our connection and love of EHS.
| Chapel Talks |
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| Organized and run by student members of the Vestry, Chapel Talks provide a forum for community members to speak to the School about a topic that has special meaning to them. These Chapel Talks can be funny, insightful, challenging, moving, and are often deeply personal. Each topic resonates differently with the community, but all leave a lasting impression, one that stays with the listener long after graduation. |
| Dorm Games |
| Every September each of our ten dorms bring their best effort to the annual Dorm Games competition, battling through multiple rounds of exciting contests. In the end, one dorm emerges victorious, earning the coveted trophy and the honor of proudly displaying it for the year. They strive to inspire students to encourage and support others on and off the field. The cheerleaders lead by example and create a legacy through positive actions. |
| Externships |
| A capstone to the senior year, Episcopal’s externship program began in the 1970s. All seniors spend the last four weeks of their time at EHS exploring their passions and interests in real-world professional settings that may include working on Capitol Hill, at area design and advertising agencies, with regional non-profits, and more. Visit the Externships page to learn more. |
| Family Weekends |
| Episcopal’s Fall and Spring Family Weekends offer families a special opportunity to experience campus life alongside their students. These weekends feature athletic competitions, student performances, meetings with faculty and Grade Deans, presentations by guest speakers, and meaningful connections with fellow EHS families. |
| Finals |
| Finals Dance in late April marks the last dance of the year as seniors prepare to begin Senior May activities that include the capstone externships and other special programming. The Maroon & Black Semi-Formal and Ice Ball are other annual school dances. |
| Mass Meetings |
| These campus-wide “pep” rallies are called spontaneously by the Cheerleaders and other senior leaders in support of EHS athletic teams and events. |
| Seated Meals |
| Episcopal hosts two seated meals each week, creating meaningful opportunities for community and connection. On Monday afternoons, students gather for seated lunch with their faculty advisor and advisory group. Wednesday nights feature Seated Dinner — often simply called “Seated” — a cherished tradition where the community comes together to share a meal. |
| Seminary Hill Cup |
| Founded in 2008, the Seminary Hill Cup (SHC) is an annual match-up between rivals EHS and St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes girls’ athletics, with athletes on each varsity and junior varsity team competing to claim the cup over two days of intense fun, and spirited competition. |
| Special Olympics |
| Every April, Episcopal proudly hosts the Special Olympics NOVA Finals, one of our most beloved spring traditions. This event offers our community a meaningful opportunity to volunteer as we come together in making this very special day a success for all the athletes and their families. |
| Spirit Weekend Bonfire |
| Kicking off Spirit Weekend ahead of The Game each November, EHS Cheerleaders lead this school-wide pep rally that includes a raging bonfire and incredible school spirit with students and faculty attending in their finest maroon and black gear. |
| The Game |
| The tradition began at the turn of the 20th Century, with Episcopal High School winning the first-ever game against Woodberry Forest. More than a century later, this annual football game continues to thrive, spirited with the rich tradition of competition. Alumni, parents, faculty, and students share in the fun of rooting our team to victory. Always held on the second weekend in November, The Game alternates annually between each school’s campus. |
| Winter Musical |
| The Winter Musical showcases the School’s commitment to creativity, collaboration, and storytelling. Each year, students take center stage, embracing both acting and technical roles to bring dynamic productions to life. Rooted in the philosophy that “everyone does everything,” the musical highlights the talents of the cast and crew while fostering a deep sense of teamwork and artistic expression. |
