The Wardlaw+Hartridge School began its 144th school year with the annual Convocation Ceremony on Tuesday, September 8 on a beautiful morning on the East Turf Field.
Cameron Williams ’27, Student Council President, led the senior class in the procession to Convocation with class officers Saif Zaidi ’27 and Manat Grewal ’27 carrying the class flag. Students from all three divisions were seated in the bleachers and joined the community in welcoming the Class of 2027.
Dr. Corinna Crafton, Head of School, welcomed the W+H community of students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees and friends. After the Pledge of Allegiance, MadJazz and select choir members performed America the Beautiful to begin the festivities.
Kerry O’Neill, Board of Trustees President, shared greetings during which she encouraged students to open their hearts and minds to the endless possibilities at Wardlaw+Hartridge.
Dr. Crafton challenged students to see themselves as creators, problem-solvers, explorers and contributors. She also addressed the importance of resilience, taking risks and learning from mistakes.
Cameron took a historical approach with figures like Nathan Hale, Grace Hopper (Hartridge Class of 1924), Edward Bouchet and Teddy Roosevelt to deliver his message: “I encourage all of you to be bold, to be visionaries, to be leaders and to serve your community, but never forget what came before you.”