A Fun-Filled Pancake Day at St. Nicholas: A Tradition Celebrated by All
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) — Students, parents, and staff came together to celebrate Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, at St. Nicholas School, marking a fun-filled day of festivities, community spirit, and educational moments. This annual event, which has become a beloved tradition, not only allows everyone to enjoy a day of fun but also connects them to the history behind this centuries-old custom.
The tradition of Pancake Day dates back to the practice of using up rich ingredients like eggs, butter, and sugar before the fasting season of Lent. It’s a time for indulgence before the period of reflection and sacrifice. To kick off the event, students, staff, and families began the day with a chapel service, learning about the origins of these traditions and the significance of the celebration.
Teacher and event organizer, Kara Miscio, shared that Pancake Day is the perfect event to educate students about Lent while also having a blast. “It’s a chance to bring the whole community together, celebrating a fun tradition and tying it into the larger story of Lent,” said Miscio, the music director at St. Nicholas.
Alice Clark, a fifth-grade teacher, echoed her sentiments, explaining that the event was especially meaningful for the seventh and fifth-grade students who eagerly anticipate it each year. “It’s a great community event. We spend time organizing everything, but more importantly, we focus on getting the Level 7 and fifth-grade students excited. They’ve seen it happen in past years, so it’s something they really look forward to. And it’s always exciting when the pancake race rolls around,” said Clark.
For the students, the event wasn’t just about racing pancakes; it was about the thrill of cheering on friends and teammates. Fifth-grade champions Ziah and Blakely, who were part of the victorious team, shared their excitement: “It was really fun. All the pressure and being able to do it – my favorite part was getting to cheer my friends on,” they said, radiating with the joy of competition.
The enthusiasm was infectious, and it was clear that the event was a hit with everyone involved. The races, the cheers, and the sense of community made for an unforgettable day.
