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Class of 2019 Inducted into Alumni Association

On Friday, May 24, the 145 members of the Class of 2019 were formally inducted into The Hill School Alumni Association at the annual Induction Brunch. We welcomed "home" many alumni who had the honor of inducting a graduate into the Alumni Association by presenting them with their Hill tie or scarf, symbolizing ties that will never sever. View photos below.

Mrs. Courtney Neese '00, Hill School Athey Master of English, gave the keynote address to the graduates. She recalled how in May of 1998, she watched the last all-male class jump into the Dell wearing t-shirts that read "The Last Proud Class." When she arrived on campus in the fall of 1998 - as one of the first 89 female Hill School students - new t-shirts were created with the slogan, "The First Proud Class."

"'The Last Proud Class' felt insulting and demeaning," remarked Courtney. "It suggested that no Hill class would ever be proud again. 'The First Proud Class' carried a promising new weight. It held a hope that ever class that followed would have a chance in discovering it's own distinct path. That every class would have the opportunity to declare itself 'The First Proud Class'."

"My class - the Class of 2000 - was the First Proud Class. It was the first time those specific 130 students grazed this campus with their own unique talents and interests."

She talked about how each class after her was "The First Proud Class" - including the Class of 2019 - and recalled some of the many academic, artistic, and athletic accomplishments the graduates had achieved and memorable moments they shared together. 

Courtney urged the graduates to "not to major in the minor."

"Don't get so busy making a living - so wrapped up in the day-to-day routines of making a paycheck - that you forget to make a life, "she said. "Even more important - don't be so busy making a life, that you forget to make a difference."

She shared the experiences of other Hill alumni who have had successful careers, as well as those who have devoted their lives to making a difference in the lives of others, repeating: "Don't get so busy making a life that you forget to make a difference."   

"Welcome to The Hill School Alumni Association," Courtney stated in closing. "Be proud. Work hard. Be kind. And don't major in the minor. Congratulations on being 'The First Proud Class'!" 

Courtney's talk is available to view on The Hill School Alumnae Society's Facebook page