Greenhill School Celebrates 76 Years of Community and Tradition
Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and families gathered for Founders Day to honor Greenhill's history and begin its next chapter.
The Greenhill community gathered on Friday, September 11, 2026, to celebrate the School's 76th birthday during its annual Founders Day assembly, honoring the vision of founders Bernard and Helen Fulton while reflecting on the people and traditions that continue to shape Greenhill today. The celebration began with Helen Fulton's bell, rung by her children Molly (Fulton) Seeligson ’60 and Will Fulton ’68.
"At almost this very moment, 76 years ago today, our mother, Helen Fulton, rang this bell to start the very first school day at Greenhill School," Molly shared. Will added, "We hope that by ringing her bell today, on our 76th birthday, we will remind ourselves that we are called to create a world more hopeful ... because we are Greenhill."
Head of School Lee Hark welcomed students, faculty, staff, alumni, and families by recognizing both Greenhill's birthday and the significance of September 11. Reflecting on the values demonstrated by those who responded to the events of 2001, he noted that courage, compassion, integrity, and excellence remain "the same four words we ask of every student who walks through our doors."
"Founders Day is the day we literally link arms in friendship and community and shared conviction,” he said. “The day we honor our past, relish our present, and recommit to the future, together."
Paylin Barnes ’27 delivered this year's reflection on peace, encouraging students to approach differences with curiosity and empathy. "Ultimately, peace does not require everyone to think alike," she said. "Peace requires us to believe that someone can think differently from us and still deserve our attention, curiosity, and respect."
The community also recognized outstanding employees. Mary Stefano received the Penny Nicholson Staff Award, and Kara Smith and Katie Young received the Rusty Jaggers Ad Astra Award for their exceptional dedication and service to Greenhill.
Miles Wilson ’27 shared the story of longtime educator Estelle Dickens and encouraged students to participate in the annual Estelle Dickens Service Drive, benefiting George Herbert Walker Bush Elementary School. “Serving the communities that surround us allows us to honor her spirit and Greenhill's spirit of giving."
Thomas Poynor ’35 highlighted co-founder Helen Fulton’s dedication to building community and one of Founders Day's favorite traditions, noting, "To honor Mrs. Fulton and the community she helped to build, each Founders Day we celebrate her and our school by gathering at lunch and having an Ice Cream Social."
Representing Greenhill alumni, Alumni Board President Sohail Yousuf ’98 reflected on the tradition of generations of Hornets coming together each Founders Day. "Students, teachers, staff, and alumni join together to sing it, linking arms and swaying, one community across every age and grade," Yousuf said of the annual singing of Best Friends. He also honored former Head of School Phil Foote, recalling the warmth and joy he brought to campus and the lasting impact he had on generations of students.
Associate Head of School for Mission, Community, and Culture Tom Perryman ’81 shared reflections on the life and legacy of former Head of School Phil Foote, who passed away earlier this year. Describing Foote as "someone without whom we would not have the school we have today," Perryman recounted stories of his innovative leadership, belief in opportunity, and commitment to building a diverse and welcoming community. He concluded with Foote's enduring advice:
"Believe in yourself, so that others may believe in you also. And leave yourself time to be tender, patient, loving, and compassionate to your fellow human beings."
This year's Heart of the Hill Heroes were introduced: Marilu Flores Gruben (recognized by Carys Diamond ’27), whose two decades of teaching inspired generations of young artists, and Cindy Page (recognized by Khalil Iyer ’31), whose 26 years of leadership helped shape Greenhill's Extended Day and Child Development Center programs.
Throughout the morning, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and families reflected on a legacy that began 76 years ago and celebrated their shared responsibility to carry Greenhill's mission into its next chapter.
