Gooden Blog

This week at Gooden was one filled with joy, purpose, and tradition. Our campus buzzed with excitement as we continued to celebrate our Episcopal Identity and commitment to diversity during Red Ribbon Week. The spirit of Gooden was alive in every classroom, hallway, and heart.

We began the week on a musical note, with students and faculty “rocking out” in their favorite band t-shirts, filling the campus with personality and rhythm. The energy carried into Tuesday, when friends, classmates, and colleagues dressed alike for “Twin Day,” a cheerful reminder of the friendships that make our community so special. Midweek, we paused for something deeply meaningful, our first Eucharist Chapel of the year. Dressed in chapel uniforms, we gathered as one community to reflect, worship, and give thanks for the blessings that unite us.
 

Thursday kept the momentum going as everyone embraced a spirit of health and vitality, sporting their favorite workout gear to celebrate wellness and positive choices. And then came Friday, the grand finale of the week and one of Gooden’s most beloved traditions, the Halloween Parade. The campus came alive with creativity as students, teachers, and even parents arrived in an array of colorful costumes, from classic characters to clever originals. Laughter echoed across campus as our Knights celebrated the joy of imagination and community.
 

Before the parade, we proudly introduced a new Gooden tradition: the Family Diversity Museum Walk. Families from across our community came together to share their stories, backgrounds, and traditions through beautiful displays. Walking through the “museum,” students and families learned about the many cultures, faiths, and histories that make Gooden such a rich and vibrant community. The event was both educational and heartwarming, a celebration of what it means to honor every voice and every story in our shared journey.
 

Throughout the week, our halls were also filled with friendly competition and service. Students eagerly guessed how many candy corn and M&Ms filled the jars or what treasures hid inside the mystery goody bag. The much-loved Pumpkin Decorating Contest returned as well, with imaginative and colorful creations on display for all to enjoy. Each vote for a favorite pumpkin cost just one dollar, with every penny going to support Friends in Deed, our cherished community partner. It was another wonderful example of Gooden’s mission in action, Service the Key to a Gooden heart.
 

Just last week, our community also showed its compassion in another way, participating in the Pink Out for Breast Cancer Research. Together, our students, families, and staff raised $500 in support of this important cause. We couldn’t be prouder of the generosity and spirit our Knights continue to show.
 

Adding to this spirit of service, our K–5 students walked to The Kensington to entertain the residents with songs and smiles. Their visit brought joy to the seniors and reminded all of us of the importance of sharing kindness and connection beyond our campus gates.

As the week came to a close, it was clear that Gooden’s traditions, both old and new, are thriving. From chapel to costumes, from pumpkins to service, every moment reflected what it means to be a Gooden Knight: faithful, joyful, compassionate, and united. Our community continues to shine brightly as a place where tradition meets joy and service meets spirit.