The Head of School – September 18, 2024

Flint Hill Community,

On Monday, we came together as an entire JK-12 community for the annual All School Gathering — a convocation for the school year, featuring student speakers from all three divisions, with ample tradition and ceremony.

Our seniors in the Class of 2025 processed into the gym with their Lower School buddies, followed by the national anthem performed by our Upper School Choir. Following a welcome from Pia Trigiani, the Chair of the Flint Hill Board of Trustees, we heard from three student speakers. They shared the following words of encouragement with our community:

Sophia Perrelli, 6th Grade: “Over the years, Flint Hill has taught me the importance of kindness, friendship, believing in myself, responsibility, confidence, and bravery. It has been such a journey, and I’d like to thank you for coming along with me. This is only the start of a new chapter, so make the most of it.”

Arianne Owusu, 8th Grade: “Envision a year where we push our limits, explore new adventures, and take risks. The impact could be transformative. Each small act of courage and every step outside our comfort zones could lead to incredible opportunities and achievements.”

Vincenzo Fiorino, 12th Grade & Student Body President: “As we begin this new year, let’s all take a moment to reflect on how fortunate we are to be in a place like Flint Hill, and then also think of ways we can continue to make this school better. This year is a new journey, and each one of you decides your own path.”

Following those reflections, we honored the 13 members of the Class of 2025 who are “lifers” — students who began their Flint Hill journey in either Junior Kindergarten or Kindergarten. That group lit the Flint Hill lantern, a symbol reminiscent of the lantern lit at the annual Iditarod dog-sled race in Alaska (we’re Huskies, after all!), honoring everyone’s journey this school year. That lantern will remain lit in my Upper School office throughout the school year, and will be extinguished when our seniors graduate in June. As I shared with the students, “It isn’t about who finishes first, but that we all finish this journey together, as one Husky Team.”

The event also coincided with families receiving the Flint Hill Annual Report — demonstrating the ways that we all pull the sled together in support of our students, teachers, and community. Many thanks to all who supported Flint Hill during the 2023-24 school year, and to those who are already “in” to make this school year the best yet!

I look forward to the coming weeks and months to keep this positive momentum going, and I am excited to see everyone out at our Homecoming events next week.