Greenhill School Celebrates 64th Birthday

On September 11, 2014, we celebrated Founders’ Day with an opening assembly that involved the entire campus and commemorated our roots. From that first moment at 8:30 am on September 11, 1950, students have been gathering together to celebrate the unique community that is Greenhill School.

“Each school day began with a gathering of the entire school community in the assembly area. Mr. Fulton believed that the spirit of community that developed through this student interaction was healthy and would give the student body the sense of pride and identity that would allow the school to survive through difficult times. “ – From Humble Beginnings

Head of School Scott Griggs opened the assembly by remarking on how far we’ve come from “such humble beginnings” and how the theme of the year, gratitude, is interwoven in our roots. “We have much to be grateful for, and we have a responsibility to honor the legacy of our founders. I am grateful to follow in the footsteps of our great leaders before us,” said Mr. Griggs.

The next two speakers shared similar messages about gratitude. Senior Alex Raphael shared his thoughts on the importance of peace in an often tumultuous world, and Alumni Board President Macey Small Davis ’94 highlighted how Greenhill spirit, memories and bonds have stayed with her throughout her life.

Assistant Head of School Tom Perryman also remarked on how hard work is at the core of what we do every day. This past summer, we lost two influential Greenhill leaders who gave much of their lives to the School. Their hard work has given us so much and paved the way for where we should go next. The first, Peter Briggs, Head of School from 1992-2000, worked tirelessly to transform Greenhill into the school it is today, from programmatic changes to a larger endowment, to raising the national stature of the School. The second, Wes Kittleman, who passed away in August, wore almost as many hats as Bernard Fulton, himself. “Service was Mr. Kittleman’s middle name, and whenever he finished something, he would always ask ‘what next?’”

Following tradition, two Heart of the Hill (HOH) Groups were named after important figures in the School’s history. Senior Jordan Steinberg introduced the first hero, Rabbi Levi Olan, who graciously opened the doors of Temple Emanu-El to Greenhill students after the fire of 1963. Classes resumed at the temple, the very next day thanks to the generosity and quick-thinking of the Rabbi. Eighth-grader Siri Ketha introduced WW. Caruth, Jr., a successful real-estate entrepreneur, who was generously instrumental in financing Greenhill land and rent in early years.

Senior Harris Chowdhary spoke about the legacy of teacher Estelle Dickens. This year, the Annual Estelle Dickens drive will collect school supplies for Gooch Elementary. And fourth-grader Khushi Chhaya talked about one her favorite parts of Founders’ Day – ice cream at lunch!

Happy Birthday Greenhill!
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