On Wednesday, August 27, Hathaway Brown's Upper School launched the 2014-15 school year - HB's 139th - with joy and purpose at Convocation. Freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior classes reunited with each other and welcomed new students on a humid morning gathered around HB's iconic fountain in the school's courtyard.
Led by the strains of bagpipe music, each grade level then marched together behind bright Legacy Day flags of their corresponding class colors. The girls made their way through the Anne Cutter Coburn Reception Room, down the corridor, and into The Ahuja Auditorium for their first assembly of the year. Along the route, enthusiastic parents snapped pictures, and the entire Upper School faculty and staff clapped and cheered a warm welcome.
View a slideshow of images from the Convocation procession here
In his opening address, Head of School Bill Christ noted that this wonderful HB tradition of Convocation serves as a bookend to the Commencement ceremony. At the close of that occasion, HB's newly graduated seniors are "clapped out" by their teachers and mentors, who wish them well as they leave the school and make their way into the world.
After Mr. Christ's remarks, Student Senate President Alyzah Quereshy '15 stood at the podium and proudly proclaimed that the first day of school marked the launch of "Project B.Y.E."- or Best Year Ever.
At the morning meeting the theme for the 2014-15 school year also was announced: HB Girls Making the Future. Mr. Christ talked about the infinite possibilities that exist for girls to make things of impact this year and every year, and how now, more than ever, we need women to lead the way.
Before the students were dismissed to make their way to class, Associate Head of School and Director of Upper School Sue Sadler set the tone for the year with her remarks. "We all have the Maker Instinct within," she said. "I hope that sometime in your life you have had the pleasure of seeing something through from idea to finished product, and have been able to enjoy the satisfaction of creating something completely on your own. ... There's something empowering about the word make - the deliberateness, the decision-making, the ownership, the creativity, the active nature of the word - and certainly we want to empower you to make your own path."
Ms. Sadler closed her remarks with suggestions for 10 things HB girls can make in 2014-15:
- Make a commitment. The first step in achieving anything is to set your mind to it. If you believe in your ability to accomplish something, you are going to do it.
- Make an effort. Things rarely happen without a little elbow grease, so be ready to dig in and work for your own success. It will be all the sweeter when you reach your goal if you know that your own perseverance got you there.
- Make time for others. People who care for others have happier, more rewarding lives. Making things nice for those around you has a ripple effect, and our whole community will benefit.
- Make friends. HB alumnae tell us all the time that what made HB special to them is the relationships they developed while they were here, both with their classmates and their teachers.
- Make a home for yourself here at HB. Invest in the community and really make a place for yourself. HB has so many opportunities that you can really make it your own unique experience. We want you to get the most out of this place.
- Make mistakes! Much of what we learn in life we learn from making mistakes. If you aren't making any mistakes, you aren't really challenging yourself. Look at mistakes as opportunities for problem-solving.
- Make an apology. If by chance you make a mistake that affects others negatively, the best you can do is own it and make a sincere apology.
- Make a difference. You have the power to make life better for yourself and others. Use your power for the greater good.
- Make some magic. Have some fun along the way by using your imagination and sense of whimsy to really spice things up.
- If all else fails, Fake It 'Til You Make It. You'll start believing your own hype, and before you know it, you will be what you want to be.
Welcome back to HB Upper School! Let's make it a great year. Or better yet, the Best Year Ever.