Saint Mary’s Hall was buzzing with excitement and delight as 781 students made their way onto campus for their First Day of School on Wednesday. Mariachi music greeted students as they entered campus, and faculty and staff welcomed them with high-fives, hugs, and fist bumps. In Lower School, parents walked with their children hand-in-hand to celebrate the special occasion. Middle and Upper School was bursting with excitement as students met up and walked to class together. A special blue table, garnished with blue donuts, blue balloons, and the biggest smiles found on campus, greeted the Class of 2025 as they arrived for their last First Day of School.
The excitement continued on Thursday with the annual Opening Convocation, where the entire school gathered to celebrate the beginning of a new year. Voice Teacher Mr. David Waterland began the ceremony with a beautiful prelude, followed by Chaplain Dr. Fredricc Brock with the opening innovation. Head of School Len Miller and Board of Trustees Chair Elise Ring Boyan welcomed the entire school with their opening remarks and advice to students and the SMH community. As always, convocation was filled with stories, memories, and messages from our Lower, Middle, and Upper School Speakers and Readers. Lower School speaker Max Dreszer ’32 spoke about the joy and delight he finds in simple everyday moments and challenged everyone to find one small thing every day that brings them joy. Middle School Speaker and MS Senate President Talia Reinsmith ’29 challenged everyone to “Look Up” to the future, stay connected to the present, and cherish the memories made at SMH. Ending the ceremony was Upper School Speaker and Student Body President Evaristo Derby Elizondo ’25 with a powerful message about determination, triumph, and the long race ahead for the Class of 2025. Evaristo reminded his fellow seniors and the entire student body to run their race and to never give up on yourself.
The celebration continued Friday at the Blue Tie Parade as water balloons and confetti filled the Upper School Circle. Afterward, the SMH Community gathered for the Blue Tie Ceremony, one of our most time-honored celebrations, as each Senior received their Blue Tie. Dating back to the 1940s, this special ceremony marks when our 69 seniors received their blue tie, symbolizing their responsibility and leadership.
Although we have wrapped the first week of school, the energy and excitement will continue for the entire year. We will continue to cherish the moment and look forward to the best year to come!
To see more beautiful moments from the first week of school, click here.