WILMINGTON – The school stage was ready for its historic moment. A podium was flanked by two pink azaleas, potted in gold foil. A large, 3D paper flower, in pink and yellow, was attached to the front of the podium. More than 30 chairs, labeled with name tags, faced the gym and were ready to seat student speakers, community leaders, artists, cadets, a queen and her court.
For the first time in its 78-year history, the North Carolina Azalea Festival’s Official Party School Visit was to a Catholic School, said Christine Quinn, dean of St. Mark School, where the official visit took place April 3.
The school prepared for the visit for about a year, she said. And it showed. From the hallway lined with students’ art to the musical and dance performances, the theme of ‘International Blooms Nation of Nigeria’ came alive through sights and sounds. In addition to performing, students held doors to welcome guests and one alum even returned to the school to don a lion mascot costume for the festivities.
One of the chairs on the stage was for Father Michael Burbeck, vicar general of the Diocese of Raleigh. Another sported the name of St. Mark’s pastor, Father Greg Spencer, who offered the benediction. Still another was for St. Mark principal, Chris Kloesz.
In his opening prayer, Father Michael said that God had given “the beauty of creation and the gift of fellowship … especially during this season, the beauty of creation proclaims your glory.”
His prayer recalled the new life that “we see all around us in nature” and that it’s a sign of hope and Easter.
The Knights of Columbus presented the flags of the United States and North Carolina, and student Dayla MacDonald sang the national anthem. Student Wylie Smith introduced the 2025 Azalea Festival president.
“We were able to sit down together to prepare for today and talk about how he got involved with the festival. It wasn’t too hard to get on his schedule because he is my dad after all,” said Wylie about his father, Beck Smith.
When it was his turn to speak, Principal Kloesz noted how much work the students put into preparing the space and their performances. “They have fully embraced many aspects of the festival and have been excited to welcome you to our school today,” he said.
Azalea Festival artist and local architect Chip Hemingway recognized art and writing contest winners, and Azalea Queen Bethany Joy Lenz thanked the school community for making the day possible.
“This by far is my favorite experience … what a beautiful day,” said the actress, singer-songwriter and podcast host before encouraging those gathered to offer applause for students and teachers for their hard work.
During the school visit, 5th and 6th grade students sang “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” and kindergarten through 2nd grade students sang a Nigerian folk song. Seventh and 8th graders sang “Serengeti” and 3rd and 4th grade students sang “Just Sing.” The Middle School Girls Choir shared “All Creatures of Our God and King” as dancers interpreted it through movement.
The school community received the gift of a fish tank to honor and remember beloved student Baker Williams, who was known for his giving spirit, sense of humor and hope to one day become a junior counselor at Camp Chris Stone. Baker died in December at age 10 following a heart surgery.
“Baker had a passion for the marine environment,” said Beck Smith, who added that he believed the plan was for “Baker’s tank” to be located in the school library as an enrichment opportunity and a place for mental solitude and relaxation.
Eighth grader Patrick DeSarno, who was an Azalea Festival poetry winner, helped to conclude the event.
“It has been a true privilege to have you with us today,” he said. “We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to teachers and staff for the countless hours of hard work they put in to make this event possible. We would also like to recognize our talented students who created all the incredible artwork. We are deeply grateful for this opportunity.”
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