Porter-Gaud School - Traditions

Traditions

Stephen T. Colbert Debate Tournament

An annual debate tournament on the SC Forensics circuit, hosted by the speech & debate team at Porter-Gaud.

Halloween Carnival

An annual carnival held by the Student Council and Parents Guild. It is the primary fund raiser for all school clubs. It has been consistent festivity for several decades. Granted satisfactory weather, the carnival is spread across much of the 88-acre (360,000 m2) campus. During inclement weather the carnival is spread through The Wendell Center, Fishburne Gym, Washington Hall and Breeze Ways.

Halloween Parade

An annual parade involving the first grade and senior class. Both classes dress up in their Halloween costumes to march little-hand in big-hand along a traditional route around campus. It is viewed as a right of passage for the seniors in the run-up to graduation.

Thanksgiving Play

An annual play performed completely by the first grade with the guidance and leadership of their teachers. The play and accompanying music, delivering the traditional story of Thanksgiving, were written entirely by first grade teachers in the 1970s. There are typically several performances, the most popular of which is for the high schoolers, who enjoy spotting their old part in the play.

Founders' Day Concert

An annual concert held on October 21 featuring a revolving theme to celebrate the school's establishment. The concert's origins can be traced back to 1978.

Holiday Market

Held in the Wendell Center during the weeks preceding Christmas, the Holiday Market is an annual holiday centric venue for Charleston area artisans to sell their goods. It is hosted by the Parents Guild, which puts the proceeds towards the annual fund.

Simple Gifts of Christmas

An annual play performed completely by the second grade.

Holiday Assembly

A tradition that has become a sort of phenomenon within the community. Occurring on the last day before Christmas Vacation, the assembly features a massive singing competition of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" between the grades. Typically the music is performed live by the Porter-Gaud Jazz Ensemble. In the past years, it has been held in the Wendell Center.

Porter-Gaud Holiday Classic

An annual basketball invitational tournament held on the Porter-Gaud Campus at the Wendell Center and Fishburne Gym.

Winter Semi-Formal

An annual dance held during the winter months and organized by the students. In the past, the Winter Semi-Formal has been held at the South Carolina Aquarium.

The Baccalaureate

Held in the closing days of the school year before graduation, the Baccalaureate is the closing sermon to the graduating class and is held at Rev. Anthony Toomer Porter's home parish, the Church of the Holy Communion.

The Quarter Pounders

Porter-Gaud's male quartet group that consists of four upper school students, two tenors and two basses. This group is by invitation only and represents some of the top male vocalists in the Upper School.