Bearcats begin the year with connection, community, and celebration

View the full Opening Days photo album

By Darryl Gangloff

Campus was alive with Bearcat spirit during Opening Days, as proctors and orientation leaders welcomed both new and returning students to Hotchkiss.

Student leaders arrived on campus early to prepare. Proctors trained for their yearlong responsibilities as dormitory supervisors, while orientation leaders in bright blue shirts worked together to create a warm and inclusive start to the year. Orientation leaders Warren Edwards ’27 and Ellie Prinz ’27 documented the fun with an Instagram takeover, capturing the student-faculty dodgeball game, bonding exercises, and move-in moments. (See their recap in the “Takeover ’25” highlight on the Hotchkiss Instagram.)

Fall varsity athletes also returned ahead of schedule to begin training. Watch interviews with some athletes shortly after their arrival on campus.

A Warm Welcome for New Students

On Sept. 1, new Bearcats were greeted with cheers as they arrived on campus. All-School President and proctor Dwyer Illick ’25 shared this advice: “Get out of your dorm room as much as you possibly can.” He suggested that students go to the lake, the farm, the snack bar, and complete homework in the library.

Fellow All-School President and proctor Serena Nam ’25 added: “What makes the beautiful Hotchkiss campus is the people, so my biggest piece of advice is to meet as many new people as possible. Say hi to everyone and be inclusive to everyone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You have a lot of support here and people who care about you.”

Warren Edwards ’27 produced the video below highlighting the community support that greeted the newest Bearcats.

 

Families and First Moments

New families gathered in Katherine M. Elfers Hall for a welcome program with remarks from Erby Mitchell P’21, assistant head of school and dean of admission and financial aid, Timothy McCarthy P’26,’29, Jessica Weiser-McCarthy P’26,’29, and Head of School Craig W. Bradley.

Tim noted, “We truly believe that a Hotchkiss education is one of the most special gifts that you can give your child. Being here allows them to take risks that might otherwise never take.” Jessica added that their prep son “will be empowered to try new things and take risks all while being gently guided in the right direction by experienced educators who truly care about his success.”

After the ceremony, families said their goodbyes, and students headed to the Chapel to begin orientation.

 

Traditions Continue

Returning students arrived on Sept. 3, filling campus once again with energy. Bearcats enjoyed practices, class meetings, a scavenger hunt, and the ever-popular Contra Dance.

The next day, each class took part in bonding activities. As part of an annual tradition, preps harvested thousands of pounds of potatoes at Fairfield Farm for use in Ford Food Court meals. That evening, the community gathered for Matriculation, where new students announced their names and hometowns to resounding applause and then signed their names to start their Hotchkiss journey. Head of School Craig W. Bradley added his signature to the Matriculation book as an honorary member of the Class of 2026, receiving a standing ovation as he enters his final year at Hotchkiss. Students closed the night with the spirited Blue & White celebration.

The School Year Begins

Classes started on Sept. 5, followed by Convocation and the awarding of Major School Prizes, as well as a celebratory dinner for seniors.

Hotchkiss is buzzing with excitement. The community is ready for another year of learning, connection, and growth.