The annual Moorestown Friends’ Friendship Day tradition returned virtually this year on Monday, February 14. This year, however, looked slightly different than the celebration has in previous years. Due to the uncertainty of COVID-19, it was not possible to have the multidivisional gatherings that many were familiar with. Instead, Friendship Day took place over Zoom. 

The program began with a moment of silence, leading into a query that was discussed in breakout rooms. The query asked if there was a moment that one felt they truly belonged at MFS. 

Creating breakout rooms to discuss the query allowed students the opportunity for the sense of community among divisions to remain, even in a virtual setting. Upper School teacher and advisor Clare MacKenzie noted that “the Lower Schoolers and even the Middle Schoolers are sometimes a bit more open in sharing and it kind of creates a bit more openness for the Upper Schoolers.” 

Sarah Mitchell (’23) “didn’t think [Friendship Day] was as special” in a virtual setting, but that the ability to gather as both an entire school and in smaller groups was nice because she “always like[s] seeing the younger grades.”

After the period of small group discussion and reflections, the entire community gathered back together virtually to share a variety of kind words and affirmations. From quotes exemplifying the importance of spreading kindness to reminders of the value each individual holds in the community, the messages shared from varying age groups offered a multitude of perspectives on friendship and love.

To conclude this year’s Friendship Day celebration, Chester Reagan Chair Melissa McCourt announced a special surprise for the entire school to participate in. She announced that this week would be Friendship Week, displaying a bingo board of ways to show friendship and kindness in the community.

Despite the differences between this year’s Friendship Day and those of years’ past, many still found value in the ability to gather as an entire community, in whatever way possible.