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By Darryl Gangloff

Campus is full of energy and excitement once again! Bearcats celebrated "joyful and endearing days" during nearly two weeks of Opening Days festivities.

Dedicated proctors arrived at the end of August to train for their important roles as dormitory supervisors, including participating in the annual Grit 'n Wit obstacle course to hone their team-building and problem-solving skills. "I'm excited to take up a leadership role at Hotchkiss and offer advice and guidance to students," said Michael Gallary '23.

At the same time, orientation leaders began to prepare for the influx of new Bearcats. Bridge Program students participated in a three-day guided orientation that included a hike at Lion’s Head, team-building activities at Fairfield Farm, and camping under the spectacular starry night. 

New students were greeted on Saturday, Sept. 3, by cheering classmates and Bucky the Bearcat, who energetically waved a sign that read, “Welcome to your home away from home.” They found their dormitories and unpacked their belongings with the help of proctors and orientation leaders, and then made their way to Head of School Craig Bradley’s address for new students and families.

Bradley said the students are on the cusp of a “great and grand adventure” and noted that this important milestone is “the beginning of what we all hope will be a period of rich learning and growth.”

Speakers Sidney Jean and Barbara Demosthene, the parents of Sydney Jean ’23, emphasized that Hotchkiss is truly about community. “It’s the sense of community here at Hotchkiss that changed my view of boarding school," Barbara said.

“The people here have intentionally created a community where your child will be safe, seen, and supported,” said Sidney. Following emotional goodbyes with family members, new students enjoyed an Orientation event in the Chapel and a welcome dinner with Bradley.

The campus fully sprang back to life as returning students arrived on Sunday, Sept. 4, and Monday, Sept. 5. Athletes began their practices while students enjoyed lawn games and hikes, attended class meetings and an advisory group barbecue, and ended Labor Day with the Contra Dance, a Hotchkiss tradition.

Matriculation: Welcoming New Students

"We'll cherish all the mem'ries dear." The words of Fair Hotchkiss filled the Chapel on Tuesday, Sept. 6, during Matriculation, where Bradley highlighted the significance of formally joining the Hotchkiss community. This once-in-a-lifetime ceremony bookends the student experience. The next such moment, he said, would not come until graduation. 

Greeted by their own class dean as well as Bradley, each new student walked to the microphone, announced their name and hometown, and stated their pride in joining their class. Thunderous cheers and applause greeted every new Bearcat as they walked the length of the Chapel to officially “sign-in” to Hotchkiss. View photos of the Matriculation ceremony. Following the event, students celebrated at the Blue & White Dance.

Classes began on Wednesday, Sept. 7. Campus was once again full of students participating in athletics and co-curriculars, enjoying meals in the Dining Hall, and settling in their dormitories.

Convocation and Major School Prizes: Opening the School Year 

Convocation, a time-honored tradition, officially opened the school year on Friday, Sept. 9. Browse photos of the ceremony and view a list of students who received major school prizes.

"Today I would like to invoke among us a spirit of goodwill, of companionship, of joy, and of new beginnings as we enter into the journey of a new year together," said Jason Larson, director of religious and spiritual life, and instructor in philosophy and religion.

Bradley said he envisions this year as a time of reengagement to “come together as a community and be here for one another.” Speaking directly to incoming Bearcats, Bradley said, “You are new no longer. You have officially signed into the place. There is no such thing as being ‘just a prep’ or ‘a new lower mid.’ You’re one of us, with full rights, privileges, and responsibilities.”

All-School Presidents Chris Mudry ’23 and Richie Mamam Nbiba ’23 reminded students to participate in every opportunity on campus. “The days may pass slowly, but the years will fly by,” Chris said. 

Richie agreed. “Whether you want it to or not, your time here will pass. The only thing that will remain are the memories,” she said. “Time here is our gift. The present is a present of opportunity. It is a chance to live through moments you will never forget.” 

Bearcats made plenty of memories over the weekend for the conclusion of Opening Days activities. Members of the Class of 2023 enjoyed their senior dinner on Friday, Sept. 9, and the Main Building was filled with energetic students signing up for every club imaginable on Saturday night, Sept. 10. Rain did not stop the Campus Carnival on Sunday, Sept. 11. The festivities moved to the Forrest E. Mars Jr. Athletic Center, where attendees rode a mechanical bull, maneuvered through an obstacle course, flew down a large slide, played games like cornhole, and more.