Collegiate School’s Inaugural Closing Celebration Begins a New Tradition

The conclusion of the school year is marked by an exciting atmosphere of celebration. Across campus, students are demonstrating their talents with year-end performances, athletic tournaments, final exams and culminating projects, and summer break, just on the horizon, is in full view.  

On Thursday, to begin the new tradition, North Mooreland Road flashed with green and gold as the entire student body processed class by class onto Grover Jones Field. Before the event, Senior parents had an opportunity to share a coffee, gather and socialize with each other, which gave them time to reflect on their own fond memories as Collegiate parents. 

“Before time marches on,” Head of School Penny Evins said as she addressed the crowd, “we wanted to gather, as one Collegiate, to share gratitude for the many ways we came together and learned from each other this year.” From the podium, Mrs. Evins thanked the parents for all they have done over the years and spoke of her appreciation for the Parents’ Association generous contribution that helped make the event possible. During her remarks, Mrs. Evins paused to celebrate and individually recognize the nine retiring faculty and staff members, who collectively gave 232 years of dedicated service to the School. 

Grover Jones Field hummed with Cougar pride as those in attendance took in the event, and the culminating growth that one feels at the end of an impactful school year began to settle in. Although the next steps of the Seniors’ learning will happen beyond campus, they will always remain part of the Collegiate community. As a symbol of this everlasting connection, a new Gathering Tree tradition was initiated. An October Glory Maple tree will be planted adjacent to Caleb’s Garden in honor of the Class of 2022 and their Kindergarten buddies. As part of the ceremony, a group of Seniors and Kindergartners shoveled fresh soil to be used in the planting. 

Following the singing of “Hail Collegiate,” which was led by the Middle and Upper School chorus, the parents, faculty, staff and entire student body lined up along the track to assemble a “clap out” and congratulate the Seniors and the retirees on their tremendous accomplishments and contributions. 

“Today is about the people of the School,” Mrs. Evins said. “It is about the students, faculty, staff and the community we build each day with small moments and accomplishments. Together, we bring out the best in each other and learn from and with each other. This gathering is a new opportunity for us to close the year together, to express gratitude for a job well done and feel the energy of our beloved and inspiring Cougar community.”