House Day: Building Community Through Competition

Written By: Audrey Steeves, ’27

The beginning of the school year is a time filled with fun, festivity, and, most importantly, community. House Day is centered on building the Providence Academy community through its pillars of faith, knowledge, and virtue. 

As PA grows, so does House. Houses bring together high school students from all four grades into various cohorts, based on gender. This year, Head House Leaders Caroline Dierberger ’27 and Mitchell Morett Herbst ’27 created new ways to foster community.A change in  House this year is that high school students began attending Mass with their House, and House meetings increased from one day to two days each week. Middle school has also incorporated the House system this year, further broadening the Providence Academy community.

Mr. Hester, an upper school history teacher,, created the House system in 2007 to give seniors leadership opportunities. Fast-forward to today, as Mr. Hester approaches his 22nd year teaching at Providence, House still carries the same community-focused meaning.

“To me, House is a system that allows new and younger students to integrate into the community while also allowing older students to lead,” Hester explained.

Over the years, House has grown from brief meetings before school into larger, community-focused experiences, including events like House Day.Students favorite parts of the day was the lawn picnic, where barbecue, treats, and plenty of sunshine brought students together. Many freshmen, who were new members of the House system, especially enjoyed this part of the day. “Going to eat outside was my favorite part of the day,” said Camie Weber ’30.

After lunch concluded, students made their way to the turf fields, where a variety of activities awaited them. Students divided into their Houses and began competing against each other. 

Some of the games were as simple as stacking cups, while others were as challenging as balancing 20 Starbursts on a popsicle stick. Regardless of the activity, these games allowed students to build community through friendly competition.

“The activity part of House Day offered a fun experience for new students to see what Providence is all about and to meet new people. It allows us to build community through activity with others, which ultimately goes to one goal, which is God,” House Captain Mitchell Morett Herbst’27 stated.

Overall, House Day was a successful event filled with exiting activities and meaningful connections. Students were reminded of the importance of fellowship at school while also having the opportunity to enjoy time together. House Day reflects what Providence Academy strives for and continues a tradition that will carry on for years to come.

“House Day went very well. Lunch was amazing, and everything went really well! Many teachers and students appreciated it. Even Dr. Biebighauser said he was going to look back and wish every day was House Day,” House Captain Mitchell Morett Herbst ’27 exclaimed.