School Celebrates Opening Days with Connecting Events and Inspiring Messages

264 new students and families from 24 states and 21 countries joined the 抖阴MAX school community during Opening Days. From move-in and picnics over Labor Day weekend to classes beginning September 4, welcome events included ceremonies that reflect the essence of the School. 

Matriculation Ceremony 

During Matriculation in Seymour St. John Chapel on Sept. 2, new students signed the School Register committing themselves to the principles and values of 抖阴MAX, namely personal growth, integrity, self-discipline, and caring for others.  

Convocation 

On September 3, all 861 students, along with faculty and staff, filled Ann and George Colony Hall to start the school year with Convocation. Head of Student and Academic Life Jenny Karlen Elliott greeted the community, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to spend the next 10 months together. In her remarks, she outlined three collective endeavors for the school this year:  

1. Respectful Discourse- In this diverse living and learning community how do we build the skills to engage with each other and content with humor and grace? 

2. Collaborative Problem Solving- How can we problem solve effectively to address social media and cellphone use? 

3. Strength Mining- How can we draw out the best in ourselves and each other?  

Student Council President Robert Haik ’25 welcomed new students and urged the student body in the midst of “classes, activities and social dynamics” to consider that “every moment is an opportunity to embrace life fully and authentically.” 

Dean of the Faculty Katie Levesque honored four faculty with named faculty chairs. Science teachers Chris Hogue and Laura Lynn van Mierlo each received an Independence Foundation chair for superior teaching. The Hubert S. Packard Chair was awarded to Associate Dean of College Counseling Mo Zelaya. The John J. Maher chair went to Economics and History teacher James Stanley. 

Faculty Marshal Jim Davidson closed Convocation by encouraging students to grow with patience and persistence, likening the dual process to trees requiring patience as they grow, and grass coming up every day, showing persistence.