Bulldog News

Hillside community offers thanks

Friday, November 20, 2009

Members of the Hillside School community expressed gratitude for their many blessings during their annual Thanksgiving Chapel Service on Wednesday, November 18.

A highlight of this year’s Thanksgiving festivities also included a student workshop and special performance by the Yale University Whiffenpoofs, the acclaimed a capella group that is currently celebrating its 100 year anniversary.

Through the workshop, Hillside students became familiar with the warm-up routines used by the Yale music group, as well as their methods for harmonizing songs.

Following the workshop, the Whiffenpoofs delighted the audience with a diverse offering of songs that included everything from pop classics to gospel influenced melodies such as “By The Waters of Babylon.”

Afterwards, Hillsiders and their guests assembled in the new Chase Chapel where Hillside School Chaplain Abby Pettee led a worship service that expressed collective thanks for the community’s many good fortunes.

A highlight of the service was a presentation made by Kyle Corda ’10 on behalf of Hillside’s students. “When I first came to Hillside, I didn’t respect anyone or anything,” Corda told the gathering. “And one day, while sitting in the headmaster’s office, Mr. Beecher said to me, ‘Kyle, it’s time to be on the team.’ I knew then that I didn’t have to go it alone.”

He added: “I became a better person because of the mentors around me. There’s a saying that it takes a village to raise a child but it takes Hillside to raise a gentleman. The full text of Kyle’s remarks is available by clicking here.

Speaking on behalf of parents, Hillside School Athletics Director Mike Foster indicated that he “couldn’t be any luckier – I have the benefit of Hillside and all that it offers and I am also able to work with the sons of other parents.” Foster’s son, Nolan Foster ’13, is a Hillside student.

Another special presentation was a vocal performance by Hillside’s Korean students who sang a classic composition from their country entitled “You were Born to be Loved.”

In closing out this special event, Hillside Headmaster David Z. Beecher offered praise for both the dedicated staff and varied students that comprise Hillside School. “We have many blessings at Thanksgiving,” he indicated. “And we count every member of our community within these blessings.” A full text of the headmaster’s remarks is available by clicking here.

The afternoon concluded with a delicious Thanksgiving dinner enjoyed by the entire Hillside community in the school’s student center dining room.

Members of Yale University's famous Whiffenpoofs perform at Hillside School on Nov. 18.

Kyle Corda '10 reflects at the Hillside Thanksgiving Service on Nov. 18.

Hillside School Chaplain Abby Pettee (right) and Jonah Spector '10 enjoy the Hillside Thanksgiving Dinner.