Paper people chains celebrate identity, connection and community across campus.

Beautiful paper chains are holding hands throughout campus, symbolizing this year’s Unity theme at St. Stephen’s. Created by Spartans, the paper cutouts are draped and hanging in key spaces. During a recent advisory session, all Middle and Upper School students were given artistic freedom to decorate their paper cutout in a way that represented who they are. Using crayons, markers and colored pencils, students could create a self-portrait or include symbols, objects or images central to their identity. 

The project was spearheaded by the Unity Committee, which includes students, faculty and staff members. Committee Member Eline van der Valk ’26 said unity is important to her and she felt an immediate sense of connection when she arrived at St. Stephen’s from the Netherlands.

“Unity isn’t about sameness,” said van der Valk. “It’s about the energy we create together when everyone brings who they really are, and how that shared presence turns everyday moments into something meaningful.”

Exemplifying the idea of unity, student artist Scarlett Ratcliffe ’27 transformed one side of her cutout into Superman. On the other side, she drew her favorite comic character and added an artist’s sketchpad to reflect her love of art. Fan Shing Hung ’28 illustrated himself wearing a suit and tie.

Once completed, the decorated cutouts — representing more than 700 Spartans — were strung together like garland and are displayed in Becker Library, the dining hall and on the Chapel altar. 

“Those strands become a visual reminder that unity is about connection,” said Scott Ma ’27, a Theme Committee member. “It’s about recognizing that we each bring something different, something personal, something irreplaceable to this place. And it’s exactly those differences, linked together, that create the strength and spirit of our school.”

He and other student committee members spoke to the community during both Middle and Upper School chapels about the project and its meaning. Theme Committee member Brandon Rodriguez ’26 posed a question to the audience: “How do we embrace unity?”

Rodriguez shared his experience of feeling “terrified” when he arrived at a new school as a freshman — adjusting to living with a roommate and managing his classes.

“I learned to lean on teachers and friends for help, whether it was meeting with Dr. Hynes or studying the night before a History 9 test with my friends — I needed them,” he said. “This feeling of needing is what unity means to me. Even if I think I have nothing in common with someone, small moments are what make people feel united and loved.”

Theme Committee member Cindy Maroney ’27 said unity, to her, means people from different backgrounds, interests, talents and experiences coming together as one. 

“Unity doesn’t mean ignoring our differences, or covering up parts of ourselves in order to fit in,” Maroney said. “It’s about thinking about what we can each bring forward in ourselves and others, what we can each give to our community, and how we can help each other.”

Maroney concluded by returning to the purpose of the paper cutouts.

“They are just one reminder to make small efforts, which can have huge rewards. We need everyone’s help to bring more unity to our school.”

Read more about the 2025-26 community theme of Unity.