Tradition marks first day at The Haverford School

Following a long-standing tradition, Haverford School seniors escorted kindergarten students to and from their classrooms through the Walk of Virtues for the opening day assembly on Sept. 7.

Student Body President Evan Scott welcomed everyone to the School’s 133rd year with a speech on brotherhood, self-acceptance, and excitement for a new school year: “Haverford is a feel-good school. In these halls exists energy that I haven't come across anywhere else. I feel good about myself as a person, as a soul, when I walk these staircases and traverse these grounds. This school hears our calls and answers them; it picks us up and dusts us off and helps us back on our feet.”

“To be a Ford, I think, means to take part in something that you help to make much bigger than yourself. There are other schools in this area where you can get a great education, but I doubt the camaraderie is as tightly knit as it is here. Not everyone is cut out for this school, this community. When I came to Haverford my sophomore year, I wasn't sure what would become of me as a young man,” said Scott. “I’m 18 years old now, and I have never grown more in two years than in the last two years. I am so happy with who I am. It’s far surpassed contentment; at this point, I wake up every morning proud to be Evan Scott. All of you here deserve to feel the same way. If that is the only thing I accomplish in the next year as your president, I'll be happy. If, somehow, I can help all of you love yourselves, be proud of your own selves, I’ll be happy. And that there, that feeling of self-love, beyond self-acceptance, is what will make us a true brotherhood.”

Scott introduced Headmaster John Nagl and following his remarks, struck a gong to ring in the start of the new school year.

The Haverford School is a nonsectarian college preparatory day school for boys, grades pre-kindergarten through 12. For more information please visit Haverford.org.