Pair by pair, grandparents walked across the green to the empty tables adorned with flowers, cutlery, and vibrant tablecloths. As students filed out of their classes, they soon joined their families for this year’s Grandparent’s Day on November 22, 2024. It wasn’t long before laughter mingled with warm greetings and shared stories, and servers bustled around, table to table, as lively chatter rang in the air between students and their grandparents.
This annual lunch, put together by parent volunteers and the Bishop’s faculty and staff, brought generations together on the quad. In total, 80 tables filled the space, hosting families from near and far, some of whom traveled 2,000 miles to attend the event, such as Mrs. Paula Flagstaff, who traveled all the way from Louisville, Kentucky to see her granddaughter Emma Baluja (‘27). The event set a tone for the Thanksgiving holiday, emphasizing gratitude and the importance of family.
On the backdrop of a cloudless blue sky, grandparents enjoyed the sunny outdoors while savoring warm rolls and miniature cookies, and talking with their grandchildren. Mrs. Flagstaff shared her excitement, “The weather’s wonderful, the food’s great, and it’s been very interesting. And Emma showed me around to the different classrooms,” she said. Mrs. Flagstaff also said how Bishop’s reminded her of a Catholic private school her daughters attended, and that she hopes “that [Bishop’s is] going to prepare her for whatever she wants to do in the future.”
Connor Vance (‘28) brought both his grandparents, Donna and Raymond Vance. They joked about the journey to Bishop’s – Mr. Vance said, “I did make a wrong turn, but I saw the large tower, and I’m like, ‘oh yeah, that’s where it is!’” Mr. and Mrs. Vance are now long-time attendees of Grandparent’s Day, as they have two sons who graduated years ago, one in 2002 and the other in 2004. Now, they only make the trip to the School for this annual meal with Connor. “It just really brings back a lot of memories from when the boys were here,” Mrs. Vance recalled. “Just to see all the families together, it’s just really nice, and the kids seem to all look out for each other.”
Gigi Paredez’s (‘27) grandmother, Mrs. Anne Marshall, also had a daughter go to Bishop’s. After frequenting the event, to her, this year’s Grandparent’s Day was the most memorable yet. “It just couldn’t be a more beautiful place on Earth,” she said. “We’ve been here many times, but I think this year has been the most successful. Being outdoors, with good weather, makes such a difference… Bishop’s has such a wonderful sense of community.” For many generational families, Grandparent’s Day brings back memories to cherish and reminisce on.
After the lunch was a Thanksgiving Chapel, held in the gym, an event that many grandparents, such as sophomore Kamaili Lei Lasua’s grandmother (or “nonna”) Marcella Lasua, looked forward to. “The Grandparents’ Chapel — it really means a lot for our family, and it’s really nice,” she said. The chapel featured heartwarming student speeches and singing to reflect on the upcoming holiday.
Families also shared their Thanksgiving traditions they looked forward to next week. Kamaili has the tradition of making wontons with her dad and grandpa, and after, “we have a big feast and then sleep and then eat some more,” she said. Mrs. Marshall said, “I make a dish that I bring to the family: monkey bread. No monkeys — we don’t hurt monkeys, we just call it that!” Most recipes call for biscuit dough, cinnamon, butter, and brown sugar to make this sweet treat.
Students eagerly took the chance to show their grandparents around campus, proudly introducing them to teachers and classrooms. As the school day wound down, the laughter and chatter lingering in the air marked the perfect sendoff into the Thanksgiving break. For grandparents and grandchildren alike, the day was filled with heartwarming moments and unforgettable memories. With bellies full and hearts fuller, the festivities wrapped up, leaving everyone ready to dive into Thanksgiving traditions—whether it’s monkey bread, wontons, or just a well-deserved nap.
