Bulldog News

Strong start for a year of gratitude

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

The 2009-2010 academic year promises to be one filled with student achievements, special events and milestones for the Hillside community.

The year started with Registration Day on Sunday, September 13 as students and their families returned – or newly arrived – on campus. At a community meeting held during the day, Headmaster David Z. Beecher introduced what has become the new school year’s theme: counting our blessings.

“In light of these uncertain times, we are especially grateful for all that we have here at Hillside School – our students, our families, a wonderful program and campus,” he said. “For this reason, we count our blessings. At the same time, though, we realize the need to help those who are not as fortunate in our society.”

The day’s activities were highlighted by the dedication of the new Chase Chapel, named in honor of Hillside School Board of Trustee President Edward Chase and his family.

Many alumni will recognize the chapel as the old Hillside School Wrestling Barn. Thanks to extensive renovations – including the donation of several church pews – the barn is now a celebrated center of spirituality on campus. Wrestling, in the meantime, now takes place in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Academic & Health Center just across Robin Hill Road.

In dedicating the chapel, Hillside School Board of Trustees member John Doran praised the Chase family for their philanthropy and called the chapel a “truly ecumenical edifice that symbolizes Hillside’s commitment to its values of compassion, determination, honesty, respect and fun.”

Less than a week later, the Hillside community saw the dedication of the Weezie Courtyard, the beautifully landscaped communal space between the Stevens Wing and the Academic & Health Center.

In opening remarks for the event, Hillside School Headmaster David Z. Beecher thanked Hillside board member and Weezie Foundation representative Betsy Carroll for her foundation’s long-time support of the school.

“We are especially pleased to name this courtyard in tribute to the Weezie Foundation and its namesake, Louise Frances Walker, because of the strong, enduring dedication and generosity to Hillside demonstrated by both Betsy Carroll and her foundation,” noted Headmaster Beecher.

The fall semester continued with the ninth graders participating in the Senior Overnight trip which, this year, involved a hike up Cannon Mountain in New Hampshire (editor’s note: look for the article about this trip in this newsletter). Also, seniors toured several prospective secondary schools in October.

New to the fall calendar was DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) Day which, this year, took place on October 7. This always anticipated occasion was moved from its traditional May date to recognize DAR President General Linda Calvin’s visit to Hillside as part of her nationwide “Pathways to Liberty” tour. The visit included tours of the school campus and classrooms for DAR members and a celebratory luncheon recognizing Hillside’s 85 year association with this national patriotic organization.

Always a highlight of the new school year, Grandparents Day and Fall Family Weekend brought student families to campus to visit with faculty, tour Hillside facilities and enjoy special activities and events. Brought back by popular demand, the Hillside Has Talent Show was once again a big hit of the weekend (acts included Mack House residents dancing to Michael Jackson’s Thriller plus guitar, piano and drum solos).

New this year was a Scholastic Book Fair, conducted in the Messman-Saran Library, visited throughout the weekend by students and their families.

Fall Community Service Day, conducted on November 3, featured Hillside students donating their time and energy to improving the larger community. Once again, non-profit agencies ranging from boys and girls clubs to senior citizen residencies benefited from the efforts of our students.

Looking ahead, the fall term will close in a big way with the Hillside Holiday Basketball Tournament on Friday, December 11, followed by the Fall Awards Ceremony on Thursday, December 17. Alumni are cordially invited to join us for these events as well as the many activities scheduled throughout the year.

Adolph Kawuba '10 (far right) leads DAR members on a tour of the Academic & Health Center on DAR Day.

Members of the Hillside community enjoy some quiet moments following the Chase Chapel dedication on Sept. 13. Alumni are welcome to enjoy the serenity of the reconverted space.