Last week, The Hill kicked off its 174^th academic year with a full slate of activities and events including new student orientation activities, adviser meetings and seated meals, a historic Convocation, first full class days and afternoon activities, and Chapel orientation.

On Wednesday, September 4, 2024, after enjoying the first seated meal of the year in the Dining Hall with their advisories, students and faculty gathered in the Alumni Chapel for Hill’s traditional Convocation ceremony. This year’s ceremony is the first to take place in the Chapel since its renovations that concluded this summer, which included the addition of balcony seating to allow for the entire student body and faculty to be together.

This year, The Hill welcomes a total of 527 students from 26 states and 17 countries, including 156 new students. More photos and a link to view a video of the ceremony are below.

The ceremony began with an opening prayer from the Reverend Anne Confer-Martens ’02 that was adapted from one given by former head of school, Alfred G. Rolfe, at the beginning of the 1922 school year: “As we gather together at the beginning of a new year, may our hearts be filled with high resolve and noble purposes.” The prayer was transitioned with a singing of the hymn “Lord, Through Changing Days, Unchanging” led by Yoon Soo Lim P’17 ’18, Oaklawn-Tuttle Director of Vocal Music.

Welcome from Mr. Baum and SGA Co-Presidents

Hill’s Associate Head of School Ari Baum welcomed new and returning students home and emphasized the milestone that took place that evening: “This moment marks the first time all Hill students and all Hill faculty have gathered all together in the Alumni Chapel in many, many years.” He spoke about how to be present in class, in athletics, and in the community. Mr. Baum emphasized that the things students are taught should be listened to and pondered thoroughly. He explained, “The more and more we listen to and reflect upon the words, the more and more powerful those words become.”

SGA Co-Presidents Maggie Qi ’25 (Beijing, China) and Hilton Johnson ’25 (New York, N.Y.) welcomed students and faculty to the first community gathering of the 2024-25 school year.  Their remarks focused on friendship, connections, strength of community, and embracing the opportunities that lay ahead. They have felt campus “buzzing” and are happy to be back home. 

“Standing on the brink of our final year, there is a feeling of nostalgia and anticipation.’” said Maggie. She continued, “Let’s support one another. Embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead and work together to create a school year filled with accomplishments, memories, and growth that will stay with us long after we leave these halls.”

Hilton recalled his start at Hill and his feelings of excitement and anxiety. He reassured new students that the nerves and fears will fade, and they will be left with friends and memories that make every day great. Both Maggie and Hilton mentioned the importance of focusing on the “now” and how all students should take advantage of the things that the School has to offer.

“Hill is a place that prepares us for future, and while that is true, it is also a time for us to live in the present and make the most of the opportunities right in front of us,” Hilton emphasized.

Convocation Address by Ms. Devaney

After the Hilltones and Hilltrebles sang a rendition of Earth, Wind & Fire’s "September," Kathleen Devaney addressed The Hill School for her second convocation as Head of School.

Ms. Devaney began, “We have the privilege of starting our new School year in the beautifully renovated Alumni Chapel.” She reflected on the importance of gathering and that Hill’s ability to do so is part of what makes it so special. She also welcomed the new faculty and staff members who joined our community this year.

“Hill’s programming is intentionally grounded in shared experiences such as coming together here in Chapel twice a week, and for seated lunch in the Milhiser Family Dining Room every weekday.” She explained that what makes Hill so different is the opportunities that students are given on a daily basis to connect with others and build a community.

Ms. Devaney went on to list activities, clubs, events, and traditions such as Hill-oween, Lawrenceville Weekend, and all-School Secret Santa to show that Hill has strength in numbers. She encouraged students to lean into this kind of lifestyle that they are fortunate to be able to live; students should make the most of the opportunities they are given.

“The expectation we have for you is not a rule enforced by the Deans’ Office, but a hope; an expression of our belief in you as Hill students. We see in each of you the potential to be a champion in our community,” she stated.

At the conclusion of Ms. Devaney’s remarks, the Hilltones and Hilltrebles stood to lead the community in singing Hill's alma mater, "A Thousand Hands." Following Convocation, students and faculty returned to their dorms for desserts with their dormmates and dorm parents and get ready for first their full day of classes the following day.

View a recording of the entire Convocation ceremony here.

Thursday and Friday marked the academic year’s first full days of classes, complete with adviser meetings, Chapel orientation, and the first All-School Meeting of the year which introduced students and faculty to safety and security protocols.

The action-packed weekend on The Hill saw the School’s first football game of the season at Madden Stadium, the boys’ and girls’ soccer teams participating in the annual Hill Soccer Jamboree, and the first Dorm Cup Challenge of the year.