With DS and DD’s return to “the Holy Hill” for their senior and sophomore years, there is much to share.
First I am happy to report that DS received the coveted unconditional approval from his Orthopedist to participate athletics. The idea that he would be back running competitive XC in early September was always in doubt, especially in early July when it was determined that a Bursectomy was required on the same knee. While the Bursectomy was not as serious as the meniscus repair, the surgery did suspend his PT regiment and delay his recovery. Despite the additional surgery, DS was relentless with his PT and once he received the approval to run, he was back to rigorous training despite the summer high heat and humidity.
Since DD has chosen not to run XC this fall, DD and DS had different move in dates. DS and I drove down, stopping along the way to visit West Point and Gettysburg National Battlefield. West Point is a college located in a museum and Gettysburg is awe-inspiring. After enjoying these historic sites, we headed to EHS for early athletic return. Fortunately EHS allowed me to move in DD’s personal items early. DW flew down with DD a week later and just had to unpack and decorate her room.
There are many changes to report at EHS. First, there is a new Head of School. Mr. Hershey retired after 18 dedicated years to EHS. Mr. Charles Stillwell takes over the leadership reigns as the 12th Head of School. The early report is he is a fantastic addition to the community and is regarded as a “student’s headmaster.” DS, who as Head Monitor sits with Mr. Stillwell at every Chapel service, has nothing but high praise for Mr. Stillwell.
As expected, with a change in Head of School, many faculty also departed. Beside teaching faculty, the Head Chaplain, Assistant Head for Student Life, Director of Choral Music, and Director of Theatre accepted positions at other schools. Candidly I was surprised by these departures. I always thought that this was the last stop for most faculty. In addition to new hires, there was a shuffling of roles and responsibilities of some faculty. For example, the Dean of 9th grade boys stepped away after five years. The Director of Art and Music Department stepped down. When the dust settled, I counted 19 new hires. Despite the departure of some beloved teachers and administration, the ethos that has defined this institution for over 175 years remains. And this sense of tradition and purpose will be amplified by the Class of 2017.
As I eluded to earlier, DS was elected Head Monitor for this school year. For those unfamiliar with the term Head Monitor - it is essentially the President of the Student Body. DS and 25 other prefects will lead the rest of the student body “by precept and example,” and will help the faculty uphold school rules. In addition other leaders from the Class of 2017, including members of the Honor and Discipline committees and Vestry will set the standard for others to follow. In talking to DS, he believes this class has the unique opportunity to ensure there is a smooth transition to new leadership and the traditions and virtues that have defined EHS are preserved. The Class of 2017 is a very strong class and no doubt will play a pivotal role for incoming and existing students.
In addition to personnel changes, Stewart Gymnasium (student center) continues to be renovated. This is the last building to receive a facelift. The multi-million expansion/improvements were expected to be complete when students returned last week, but delays have pushed the completion to October. Some of the improvements include outdoor porches, one for “coffee house” performances, various eateries, expanded meeting spaces, games, and additional classrooms. I know all the seniors are hopefully the new and improved state-of-the-art Student Center will be open for business before Fall Parent’s Weekend.
Since this is DS’s senior year, we are savoring moment, knowing that DS’s journey is rounding the last turn and headed towards the finish line. Now in our fourth year, we are accustomed to the rhythm of the school year. Since EHS football will travel to Woodberry Forest (every other year), students are treated to an early October Friday home game under the lights versus cross-town rival, St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School. A buffet dinner is served outside at Hummel Bowl and the game is always well attended. A couple weeks later will be Fall Parent’s Weekend and then the #115 consecutive Woodberry Forest vs. EHS football game will be played in November, the longest running high school rivalry in the South. And then it’s a well deserved Thanksgiving break for DS and DD.
Besides DS’s leadership responsibilities, DS has a full academic load this semester; seven classes, five of which are Advanced (AP) classes. He will continue his passion of singing with the Jack of Hearts (a Cappella) and two choral groups. He will co-captain boys XC, wrestling, and baseball teams and continue his service work with a club he founded called the Military Appreciation Club. And then there are college applications. DS first choice schools are USNA, USMA, or USAFA. All other schools are placeholders. The application process for these schools is unlike any civilian school. In addition to the service academy applications, he must apply for a nomination from his two Senators and Congressional representative, interview with three separate panels, as well as a representative of the military, pass a rigorous and timed physical fitness test, and be medically cleared. As @ChoatieMom noted in another post, “there are more moving parts to this process than Excel has columns and rows.” Since appointment to any service academy is a reach, his plan B includes applications to probably 7+ other colleges with engineering being the focus. And all of these schools have ROTC, meaning more applications. With all of this work, I suggested a gap year (the productive type), especially if he doesn’t receive an appointment to a SA. My suggestion fell on deaf ears.
Lastly, I don’t write very much about DD, but I can share she is ecstatic to be back at EHS, very happy with her teachers. While she has moments of homesickness, she is well adjusted and EHS is a home away from home.
For those considering EHS, please feel free to PM me and I will try to answer your questions.