Pass It On Ceremony

Join Us for Pass It On

We would love for you and your student to join us for one of ESD's most treasured traditions, Pass It On. Many of you may have heard this referenced during a campus visit or admission event. If not, we would like to provide a little background about the event, as well as ceremony details if you're interested in attending.

History

In the spring of 1976, Father Swann asked the faculty to create a ceremony that reverently symbolized the milestone of eighth-graders transitioning to the upper school. The faculty created what is now known as Pass It On, in which the oldest grade level in the upper school passes their light, the spirit of ESD, to the rising freshmen class. Seniors light their candle from the primary ESD candle and then light the candle of a rising freshman, officially welcoming them to the upper school.

“All children are made in the image of God and this knowledge must be passed on from generation to generation. The Pass It On Ceremony was created and remains our oldest and most powerful proclamation…as the flame is shared by the seniors with the rising freshmen.”

Fr. Stephen Swann, Founding Headmaster

Event Details

When
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1 8:30 a.m. Breakfast will be served for all new students and families 9:15 a.m. Students must arrive on campus 10:00 a.m. Pass It On ceremony Please RSVP names and number of guests using the form below. RSVP required by Friday, April 26. RSVP Now
Where
THE EPISCOPAL SCHOOL OF DALLAS Breakfast will be in the Formal Courtyard and Pavilion. The ceremony will take place in the Competition Gym. Please enter campus at the guard booth on Merrell Road. Our Campus Safety team will show you where to park and student ambassadors will be present to direct students and families. View Campus Map
How
CEREMONY PROCESSION The students walk in together; they are not individually named or called when they move forward. We would love for as many of our newly admitted students to participate, but in no way expect everyone to be present, travel, or change existing plans. There will be many opportunities to connect and be a part of other traditions with classmates in the coming months. To watch the ceremony via livestream, click here.
Attire
ESD FORMAL UNIFORM PREFERRED To ensure your student feels a sense of belonging at this event, we would love for them to wear an ESD uniform. Our Uniform Resale Shop will be open during the April 7, 2024 New Family Event so your student can try on and borrow or purchase a uniform. Plaid skirts are available in our uniform resale shop to borrow or purchase. The ESD logo tie can be purchased through the Eagles Nest Campus Store. Any navy blazer, white button up dress shirt, and grey slacks are acceptable. Please note, there will be opportunities over the summer to stock up on uniforms for next year through our uniform provider. More uniform information can be found on the Getting Ready page.