A soaking rain did not dampen the spirits of Middle and Upper School students as they returned for the 2022-2023 school year.
Students, faculty, and staff gathered in the Class of 1944 Chapel at the start of the day for Opening Chapel on Tuesday, September 6.
"It was wonderful to have everyone back together!" reflected Head Chaplain Tim Gavin, Hon. "Opening Chapel is one of my favorite EA traditions and is the perfect way to start the school year. It was extra special because the last two years some students had to participate virtually because of space limitations due to the pandemic."
Greville Haslam Head of School Dr. T.J. Locke welcomed students to EA's 238th school year and reflected on the Chapel theme, Become What You Believe.
"At EA, we believe deeply in our mission. We believe that we should grow in mind, body, and spirit," shared Dr. Locke. "We believe we should be our authentic selves, as we live out the words on the side of this Chapel and 'be rather than seem.' And we believe in living The Stripes the best we can, each and every day. We have the privilege of coming to this Chapel to reflect on these principles and to hear from speakers who inspire us with their stories. We pause, we ponder, and we pray. As a school, we become what we believe."Lower School students arrived full of smiles for their first day on Wednesday, September 7.
"I hope your summer was rejuvenating and that you are excited to be here in this special community," said Dr. Locke. "I am very proud of you, and I am very proud of our school. There is so much to learn, and we will learn with and from each other all year long. I hope this year affords you so many opportunities to become what you believe."
Opening Day Chapel ended with 6th through 12 graders enthusiastically clapping and singing to the spiritual "Guide My Feet." Watch here.
