Lumina at Westover | December 2025
This December, Westover’s community embraced Lumina as a time to pause, reflect, and listen deeply before parting for Winter Break.
Here are the takeaways from this month:
As Westover’s Red Cross Club prepared for their first blood drive of the school year, the club heads reflected on why they stepped into leadership roles and their commitment to the Red Cross’ mission.
Susan K. ’27 spoke about the severe flooding that affected Kenya in 2024 and a conversation she had with a Red Cross volunteer during that time.
“He told me that his mission was simple: to be there for the community in any way he could,” Susan shared. “Hearing that inspired me. It made me want to take on a leadership role—to be a head—so I can guide others with the same spirit of service, compassion, and courage.”
The heads invited American Red Cross account manager Megan Serke to the podium to share her growing relationship with Westover through Red Cross, and the work students do to support their mission.
From learning about the incredible impact of donating blood for our local and nationwide communities to sharing the Red Cross’ humanitarian work at the global level, this Lumina held space for Westover’s community to reflect on how each of us can impact another’s life positively.
Lumina Head Kitty C. ’26 shared affirmations for the community to reflect on and repeat throughout the week leading up to the blood drive hosted on December 17:
Back
The Power of Vulnerability - December 4
Students stepped forward to the podium in Chapel to own the power of vulnerability, shedding light on vulnerability as a universal human experience—one that often goes unacknowledged, but does not need to be.Two short stories were shared for all to lean into with the intent for each person in Chapel to leave feeling a little braver, a little softer, and more connected. These personal testimonies, which touched on perfectionism, self-love, and finding inner peace, were met with roaring applause, spreading joy and care throughout the Chapel for the students who courageously shared their stories.
To close, Lumina Head Isabell P. ’26 shared three affirmations that continue to ring true:- Sharing my true self is brave.
- I am allowed to be flawed.
- If it’s important to me, it’s worth sharing.
Generosity and Impact through Red Cross at Westover - December 11
At Westover, students are empowered to turn their passions into action. Any student can start a club centered on a cause they care about, fostering leadership, initiative, and meaningful community engagement—values reflected throughout this Lumina.As Westover’s Red Cross Club prepared for their first blood drive of the school year, the club heads reflected on why they stepped into leadership roles and their commitment to the Red Cross’ mission.
Susan K. ’27 spoke about the severe flooding that affected Kenya in 2024 and a conversation she had with a Red Cross volunteer during that time.
“He told me that his mission was simple: to be there for the community in any way he could,” Susan shared. “Hearing that inspired me. It made me want to take on a leadership role—to be a head—so I can guide others with the same spirit of service, compassion, and courage.”
The heads invited American Red Cross account manager Megan Serke to the podium to share her growing relationship with Westover through Red Cross, and the work students do to support their mission.
From learning about the incredible impact of donating blood for our local and nationwide communities to sharing the Red Cross’ humanitarian work at the global level, this Lumina held space for Westover’s community to reflect on how each of us can impact another’s life positively.
Lumina Head Kitty C. ’26 shared affirmations for the community to reflect on and repeat throughout the week leading up to the blood drive hosted on December 17:
- I am worthy of receiving the abundance I give to others.
- Every act of kindness I perform creates a positive ripple effect in the world.
- I have the power to make a positive change.
Be Boldly You
Westover School admits students of any race, color, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin, or disability to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. As a gender-diverse girls school, Westover welcomes applicants and students who are assigned female at birth and/or identify as girls. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its educational policies, admissions and financial aid policies, and athletic or other school-administered programs.