STE Kicks Off School Year with Annual Spaghetti Supper

“By the right, quick march,” Pipe Major William Fenner calls out. The familiar hum of the bagpipes and drums of Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School’s A, B, and C Pipe Bands fills the courtyard as students, parents, and faculty members eagerly gather around to listen. The annual Spaghetti Supper is a family-favorite STE tradition, dating back to at least 15 years ago, to begin the new school year and welcome new families. 

A, B, and C Pipe Bands perform the Bonnie Galloway set.

“Spaghetti Supper was nostalgic for sure. I remember going there as a lower schooler, and it was such a big event. It's really fun to see the little kids be as excited about it as I was when I was their age,” senior Annabeth Slagle said. Faculty and parent volunteers served spaghetti to excited students. After a long week of studies, students were glad to spend their Friday night laughing with friends over a plate of great food. 

“I had a lot of fun meeting up with my friends outside of school,” said junior Tessie Le.  “We waited in long lines, but the food was good - it was all worth it.”

Parent and faculty volunteers fill plates with spaghetti and garlic bread.

The evening started off with a plate filled with spaghetti, salad, and garlic bread, followed by gelato. The gelato was many students’ favorite part of the dinner. Halfway through the night, the school Pipe Band played several sets, including the Bonnie Galloway set, the A Band drum salute, and the America set, which included songs like Deep in the Heart of Texas. 

“I think it’s special to play at Spaghetti Supper, because it’s the first real performance for the new band members, so it really is the entire band playing all together,” said B Band piper Emily Calvert. “It’s also fun because everyone there loves hearing the band, even the little kids, so they cheer really loud no matter what we play.”

Lower school students and parents stand in line for gelato.

“I love the way Spaghetti Supper always brings the school together. Everyone stops and listens [to the band’s performance] - it’s very nice,” junior Maria Clara Almeida added. 

Director of Communications and Marketing Ms. Karen Kimble explained, “It's a wonderful event that pulls us together as a community, and I pray the event continues to foster growth and show our resilience as a community!”

Students and parents wait in line for salad.

With 800 people in attendance this year, the beloved tradition of Spaghetti Supper is sure to gather more and more students and their families for years to come.