A Successful Kurn Hattin Holiday Party
On Tuesday, December 10th the Vermont Academy community gathered for one of its longest traditions, the Kurn Hattin Holiday Party.
Since 1894, Kurn Hattin, located in Westminster, Vermont, has helped thousands of disadvantaged children and their families by offering a safe home and quality education. Vermont Academy and Kurn Hattin have fostered a close relationship for more than 80 years, starting with Headmaster Laurence Leavitt. VA has hosted Kurn Hattin for an array of events and attends their annual jazz festival. Two years ago VA created a mentorship program between our tenth through twelfth grades and Kurn Hattin’s sixth through eighth grades.
The Christmas Party is all about the little kids...
Leading up to the event, VA students shopped and wrapped gifts for the Kurn Hattin children who are in kindergarten through third grade. The children arrive for the party dressed in their holiday best. After a dinner of chicken nuggets and mac ‘n cheese -- a treat for all students, as both school’s usual fare is much healthier -- Santa and his elves visit to present the children with their gifts. Vermont Academy students help the children build their gifts and enjoy spending time with them.
Vermont Academy students and faculty said:
“I loved getting to know my buddy, it really was a special thing. It really opened my eyes and I think this is the most important tradition we have at VA because of what we do for these kids and what they also do for us.” - Izzy ’21
“I enjoyed the fact that we could learn just as much and even more from the kids as they can learn from us. It really is a terrific night for the kids and the whole VA Community.” - Danielle ’22
“This night hit differently. From the moment I heard the kids say that the only thing they really wish for is their parents, I couldn't get that out of my head and I realized that especially this night made me appreciate what I have. As soon as I got back to my room, I called my mom and dad crying telling them how much I love and appreciate them.” - Kalty ’20
“My favorite part was getting to see the kid’s faces light up when they saw Santa come in.” - Kelly C. ’21
“The exuberance and joy with which Mr. and Mrs. Claus and their faithful elves made their entrance was most memorable.” - Mr. David Naughton, History Teacher
“Kurn Hattin Christmas is truly my favorite night of the year. It’s incredible to see how grateful the kids all are to even just be there, regardless of the presents. I’m heartbroken that this is my last year, but I feel so thankful to have been able to participate in such a monumental, and honestly, life-changing, tradition to this school.” - Lauren E. ’20
“This was my first ever Kurn Hattin Christmas experience here at VA and it was so amazing! Being able to connect with these kids, to see the joy and excitement on their faces every moment had to have made it one of the best nights here so far.” - Julia ’23
“Putting a smile on the kids’ faces was the best part of being an elf. I am definitely going to be an elf again next year.” - Jessica ’22
Vermont Academy is a coed college preparatory boarding and day school in southern Vermont, serving grades 9-12 plus a postgraduate year.
