By June of 2021, our students had been through quite a bit. They had to experience a year that forced them to stay away from one another, as the pandemic raged, and everyone struggled to understand how to live safely. So, I was trying to find a way that those students who had been pushed apart for safety’s sake could congregate together before the school year drew to a close.
At the same time, I had always thought that there should be a day built into The Beech Hill School calendar that was dedicated to honoring the founding of the school. At first, I considered aligning this day of celebration with the individual that founded the school, Emily Ricard. I considered making her birthday a school celebration, but this never felt quite right. As I considered a number of different options, I discovered that the Board of Directors met for the first time on June 13, 2011.
The confluence of the tenth anniversary of the first Board meeting and the need for the students to celebrate in 2021 created the perfect reason to create Founders’ Day – a day to celebrate the founding of The Beech Hill School. That year, we had food trucks, commemorative t-shirts, and a whole lot of fun. Even though we still had to wear masks, even outside, this event truly helped to bring the community together.
In the ensuing years, we continued to celebrate Founders’ Day on the Friday before the Closing Exercises. While that first year it was clear that our students really needed a chance to celebrate together, the meaning and purpose of Founders’ Day was unclear. This year, however, I was pleased to share with the Community, with clarity, the purpose of Founders’ Day.
First, Founders’ Day is about commemoration. Every year, we will remember and honor the courage and audacity of our founders to start from scratch, The Beech Hill School. Second, Founders’ Day is about inspiration. It is my belief that our students will find inspiration in knowing the founding story of their school. Third, Founders’ Day is about recognition. On Founders’ Day, we recognize those 8th grade students that have earned the honor to speak at Closing Exercises. In the future, I hope to enlarge this aspect of Founders’ Day by recognizing alumni and supporters of the School that have gone above and beyond. Finally, Founders’ Day is about celebration. The day should always be a chance for all members of the community – past and present – to spend time enjoying their connection to The Beech Hill School.
Next year, we will be celebrating our 5th Founders’ Day. Mark your calendars and join us as we commemorate, inspire, recognize and celebrate at BHS!