Opening Chapel Marks Start of the 2024-25 School Year

Wearing smiles and crisp uniforms, Middle and Upper School students returned to campus on Tuesday, Sept. 3, full of new-school-year energy and excitement for the year ahead. Alongside faculty and staff, they started their day by gathering in the Class of 1944 Chapel for Opening Chapel, where Greville Haslam Head of School Dr. T.J. Locke, Hon. welcomed students to EA's 240th school year.

“There’s nothing like the buzz of a new school year—the chance to reconnect, start fresh, and create something incredible together as a community,” he said. “As we start this new school year together, I want to take a moment to think about what it means to truly belong to a community like ours—a place where each of us brings something unique to the table, where we have the chance to connect with people who are different from us, and where we can grow stronger and happier by embracing those differences.”

Throughout his inspiring Chapel Talk, Dr. Locke encouraged students to “bring [their] whole self” this school year, reaching beyond their comfort zones and leaning into EA’s values and the Stripes as they learn from many different people–even those with whom they may disagree.

“Wear the Blue and White proudly,” he said. “Find common ground, listen and love first, support each other, find someone that needs to be found, and include each other. You are EA. Be proud and live into what that means.”

Lower School students gleefully arrived for their first day on Wednesday, Sept. 4. Lower School Opening Chapel will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 10.