Bearcat excitement rose to a fever pitch on Wednesday evening, Oct. 6, when students jumped for joy following a special announcement declaring a Head of School Holiday the following day.

The holiday was in honor of Jeannie Weinberg Rose '80, P'18, former Board of Trustee president who gave steadfast support and wise guidance during some particularly challenging times in the School’s history. 

Head of School Craig Bradley announced the holiday on the steps of Main Building to a crowd of elated students. He spoke of Rose’s tireless service to the School, including 23 years as a trustee and eight years as president of the Board. After stepping down from her role as chair, she was elected as a trustee emerita.

Due to Covid, the School was not able to properly celebrate Jeannie’s retirement from her decades of service to the Board, “ he said. 

The Board of Trustees did take time in its meeting last Saturday to recognize all she has done for Hotchkiss, including passing a resolution of tribute in her honor. 

In part, it reads: “Ms. Rose has an unmatched standard of hard work, selfless leadership, and devotion to Hotchkiss while maintaining a fine sense of humor and never asking more of others than she demanded of herself.”

During the holiday, students took time to relax by sleeping in, enjoying massage chairs and just enjoying the beautiful fall day. They could opt to receive henna tattoos, make their own sweet and salty scrub, and have professional artist draw a caricatures of themselves.