Eaglebrook School Opens for 100th Year!

Eaglebrook School’s highly anticipated 100th year officially began on Friday, September 10. There are 241 students attending Eaglebrook this year, from 20 nations and 20 states.

Orientation activities returned this year with a whole new structure and feel. New and returning day students were the first group to arrive on campus for the Centennial Year, followed by our Sixth Form boarding students the afternoon of Tuesday, September 7. Sixth Formers played a game of stickball followed by a picnic on Infirmary Field that evening. 

After a good night’s sleep, the Sixth Form headed off to Berlin, MA, on Wednesday, September 8, where they overcame fear and challenges at the Boundless Adventure ropes course. While the Sixth Form was off-campus, our new boarding students ascended upon the Hill for the 2021-2022 school year. 

The following day, Thursday, September 9, all new students participated in a variety of orientation activities including campus tours and stations where they got to meet and discuss various topics that are important to daily life at Eaglebrook. All students also completed the School’s swim test. In the afternoon, our returning underform boarders arrived on campus.

The first all-school dinner in the Gibbs Dining Hall and all-school assembly was held the evening of Thursday, September 12. This was the first time the entire community has eaten all together in the Gibbs Dining Hall since February 2020. 
 
Classes began on Friday, September 10, with a morning assembly by Mr. Andrew Chase, Head of School, followed by advisory meetings. This assembly was the first of its kind since February 2020. The first day of fall sports was held in the afternoon.  
 
At the morning assembly on Saturday, September 11, Mr. Leyden, Director of Studies, discussed the 20th anniversary of the September 11 terror attack. After his reflection on the day’s importance in United States history, he discussed the importance of student responsibilities including; commitment to being an active learner, using technology appropriately, and maintaining academic integrity. After classes, the 101 new students departed for the New Student Cookout held by dorms at various campsites around the Eaglebrook campus. The Sixth Form participated in leadership activities in the afternoon and then headed up to the Easton Ski Area for a picnic dinner. Following their picnic dinner, they met up at the campsites with the new underformers to lead activities and make s’mores. It was a beautiful evening for bonding, games, and reflection. Click here to see photos from the New Student Cookout.
 
The first weekend came to an end with the first Sunday Meeting of the year, which is also the most special of the year, as it is held outside on Infirmary Field. It was a beautiful but hazy evening filled with reflection and anticipation, as the faculty and students look toward a promising and fun-filled year ahead. As the school community gazed over the valley and to the west, Mr. Chase recounted the history of Eaglebrook and the importance of the Centennial Year. He finished his speech saying, “While we sit here together watching the sun disappear – think about the year ahead – all that you and all of us will experience on this mountainside. Remember, that you are unique. The departure of our Sixth Form will round out our century, and you in the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Forms will return to lead Eaglebrook into the next 100 years.” You can watch Mr. Chase’s message here. 

Dr. Paul Cyr-Mutty, Assistant Head, delivered an impactful message and poem. Ms. Rachel Blain gave the benediction and lastly, Mr. Demerath led the community in the singing of the Eaglebrook Hymn. Students and teachers were invited to spend a few moments sitting on the hill in reflection before the community proceeded to the Gibbs Dining Hall for a delicious pork dinner. View photos from Sunday Meeting here. 
 
At last, Eaglebrook’s Centennial Year has begun! It’s going to be a wonderful year filled with new and old activities and traditions. Stay up-to-date with the Centennial events at www.eaglebrook.org/100.