I drove down Pleasant St. and turned left into the school just as the Saturday morning downpour began to dissipate. 

I parked at the school’s beautiful new admissions building, and arrived just on time for the Sixth Form Parade. It began at the flagpole in front of the post office and ended at the Field House just in time for lunch.

My kids, who had celebrated their 5th and 10th reunions two weeks earlier, told me that the traditional parade had already taken place from its usual starting point—so the Sixth Formers now actually walk twice.

The second highlight was the Sports and Academic Awards ceremony held in “The Cage.” You’ll be happy to know that many of the awards we remember are alive and well. You know you are old when you don’t know the students or the teachers, but you do recognize the people for whom the awards are named after—many of whom have since passed away.

On Sunday, the campus was magical. The lilacs were in full bloom, and the green and red of the pine and maple trees contrasted beautifully with the crystal-blue sky dotted with wisps of white clouds.

Yes, you know that place. A spiritual feel of joy, happiness and accomplishment filled the air for those whose names will soon be etched into the Hargate Walls, which has become the new spot since the Upper and Lower walls were filled long ago.  

While much has changed since we've been there, so much has remained the same.

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The core theme and message of the weekend has always been the same.  A message of excellence, kindness and a life of purpose were still spread out through the school, in conversations, in awards and in speechs.  

Kathy Giles’ in her graduation speech encourage us to -   

Serve the greater good and make the good greater.

And:

Be eager to bear the burdens of others. Accept that purpose is not always convenient.

As good as all the speeches were throughout the weekend, I must say I was most impressed by the final talk delivered by Class President Henry Wilson, another Mainer like Charlie and me. Henry actually grew up down the road from my dad and is the son of John Hunt’s significant other.  Many of you may remember John who was a couple of classes after us. 

In his speech, Henry quoted Robin Williams from Dead Poets Society—apparently still a favorite movie—and reflected on the phrase “Seize the Day.” He then reframed it as “Pluck the Day.”

His point was that seizing implies a relentless pursuit of goals regardless of circumstance, while plucking suggests the ability to adapt, choose, and pivot toward what life presents to you. What seems right at one moment may not be right in a future one. We need the flexibility and wisdom to recognize that and adjust for our own good—and for the good of others.

The weekend ended for me at The Common Man with my wife’s family, and then it was back to my regular life. 

I left with a sense of bliss, purpose, and renewed passion for pursuing excellence in all that I do—while also understanding that things won’t always go according to plan and that’s okay.

In the end, the school is alive and well and while much has changed, much has stayed the same. I was happy to see many of the rituals, traditions and spiritually preserved in place. 

Charlie and I look forward to seeing all of you at our 45th in a mere 716 days, where we won’t be leading the parade but we will certainly be closer to the front than the back.   

Cheers,

John

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