Candlelighters: Where Kindness Shines at St. John’s

Every fall, St. John’s School transforms its campus into a place of joy and celebration for a cause that’s close to the community’s heart, which is the Candlelighters Fall Festival. The event, hosted with Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Family Alliance, welcomes children undergoing cancer treatment and their families for an afternoon full of fun, games, and connection.

The festival is one of St. John’s most meaningful traditions, powered by the creativity and compassion of students who plan and run the booths. Months before the big day, students form groups, brainstorm ideas, and prepare activities that reflect their own interests, whether it’s sports, crafts, baking, or art. With a budget and a lot of imagination, they turn their ideas into interactive booths designed to bring smiles to the Candlelighters kids.

This year’s event featured everything from a spooky Black Magic Battleship game to Boo Brownie, a booth serving up customizable brownies with fun toppings. I volunteered at the face painting booth, where I got to see kids’ faces light up as I turned them into butterflies, superheroes, and pumpkins. It was so rewarding to see their excitement and know that something small could bring them so much happiness.

Sophomore Tiffany Li brings color and joy through the face painting booth.

What makes the festival so special, though, isn’t just the games or decorations; it’s the genuine connection between the students and the Candlelighters families. “At first, some of our students worry about feeling sad for the kids,” explained St. John’s middle school service learning coordinator, Leah Madof. “But once they meet them, they realize these are just kids like any other, who want to have fun and celebrate Halloween. It becomes a day full of laughter and joy.”

Throughout the afternoon, music filled the air as students danced with families and cheered each other on at the booths. Parents volunteered alongside students, helping create a warm, community-driven atmosphere where everyone felt welcome.

 

By the end of the event, students walked away with more than just a sense of accomplishment; they had gained a valuable perspective. As Mrs. Madof put it, “I hope [they] see that it doesn’t take a lot to brighten someone’s day, just your time and talent.”

The Candlelighters Fall Festival was more than a school event; it was a reminder that compassion, creativity, and a little Halloween spirit can light up even the toughest times.