Defense Day

In the last week of class in each semester, students give presentations on one of their papers from that semester. They then defend their work, responding to impromptu questions from the tutor and the audience.

After defenses, the tutor awards the Lewis Prize for Excellence in Writing, the Michelangelo Prize for Craftsmanship, and any other prizes students have earned that semester.

The spring Defense Day includes a brief graduation ceremony and/or senior recognition.

The event concludes with a potluck reception and English country dancing.

Defense Day also includes a service project. In the past, students have competed by House to bring in canned goods for local food drives and have made Christmas cards for American soldiers overseas.

Pictures from previous Defense Days are below:

Ancients semester project: Clay model Greek architecture
Medievals semester project: The dragon from Spenser’s Faerie Queene book 1
Modern history semester project: D-Day diorama
United States semester project: Scrimshaw