By Sydney McCallister, freshman English and history major from Greeneville
Since the 1950s, seniors at Tusculum have participated in the tradition of passing a lantern to an underclassmen, symbolizing the passing of knowledge to an underclassman just beginning their path of enlightenment. In addition to the passing of lanterns, seniors also pass their robes to provide the underclassmen receiving the lantern the protection and to show their faith in the new bearer of light.
Tusculum’s motto, “Sit Lux,” translates from Latin to “let there be light.” The seniors have worked effortlessly in their studies, but none made it alone, and the passing of the lanterns is meant to recognize those who helped them along the way.
The passing of lanterns and robes is emotional for both seniors and nominees. Many seniors carry the same lantern given to them in their first years by a graduating senior, and they have now taken it upon themselves to pass this on to someone else.
This year, twenty-three seniors passed on their light of education to their peers, during which tears were shed and many hugs were exchanged. The passing of lanterns and robes continues the bright passion of education through the history of Tusculum and on into the future, when these underclassmen will pass on their own robes to the underclassmen who mean so much to them.
In addition to the passing on of lanterns and robes, students also had the opportunity to nominate a faculty member who made an impact in their time at Tusculum. These faculty members are given a golden lantern pin by the student. Thirty-six faculty members were given the golden lantern by seniors.
“Tusculum stands as a beacon of light, an institution sending learned individuals forth to do good works and serve as a light to others the world over,” said Dr. David Smith, dean of students.
While these seniors will be graduating, their lanterns, both to underclassmen and faculty, will serve as a lasting reminder of their presence.
