Secret Santa Seniors

Every year, just before the holidays, a number of holiday surprises end up on my desk from members of the Berwick community. They often include things like baked goods, chocolate, books, or occasionally, gift cards. I am always humbled by this generosity, especially when individual students deliver these gifts. I was particularly moved when I returned to my desk yesterday to find a beautiful tin with a note signed, “Love, 2016.” I quickly ran out to Colleen and asked – is this from the senior class? She confirmed my suspicion. I was frankly a bit stunned, as this had never happened before. Later last night, at our faculty holiday party, I learned that the senior class had done this for all Upper School employees as well.

At the end of today, we will have our holiday candle lighting ceremony, which will honor our seniors as a group. It needs to be said that their energy, optimism, and leadership this year have been remarkable. Whether it has been daily assembly, dances, welcoming new students, or gestures like their holiday gift giving…they have risen to the challenge to lead our school this year. It is hard to articulate how much this effort drives the success of our community. And while there is certainly a long way to go before graduation, I wanted to express today how grateful I am for the class of 2016 as a group.

To the rest of you, I want to say Happy Holidays. I look forward to sending all of our students off to their families after our assembly this afternoon. I hope that all Berwick families are able to slow down the pace, do some snow dances, and enjoy each other’s company for these next two weeks. We look forward to getting back to work when you return.

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Berwick Academy Head of School

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