Greenhill Kicks off 75th Anniversary with Founder’s Day
Penelope Stone, Kaitlyn Yoo
In anticipation of Sep 11, Greenhill is marking its 75th anniversary. Typically celebrated through a Founder’s Day assembly, administrators have planned an entire day of festivities.
Rather than having an adjusted schedule for the day, students will attend unique activities that highlight Greenhill’s mission. Notably, the school has organized an aerial drone photograph of all students.
“The last time I remember doing something like that was when the when the Fulton building burned down in 1987,” Associate Head of School for Mission, Community, and Culture Tom Perryman ’81 said.
To honor the school’s past, this photo will commemorate the anniversary, much like the previous photograph did. Now, students of all grades will line up to form a seven and a five.
There will also be a school-wide service project to help the students at George H.W. Bush Elementary School. Students will be helping make educational kits for kids who are English language learners at the elementary school.
“I always think it’s great on a birthday to say, You know what, this is my birthday, but this isn’t going to be about me. This is going to be about what can I do for somebody else,” said Perryman.
Another theme Greenhill has tried to push is sustainability, especially through the creation of community pollinator gardens. On Thursday, North Texas Master Naturalists will teach about campus stewardship of the Blackland Prairie Greenhill resides on.
“It’s really important to think about and show our gratitude for this campus that we have, and we’re very lucky to be here,” Perryman said. “Most schools would kill for 75 acres. We’ve got those acres, and we need to take care of it.”
The activity also involves a wildflower stomp, much like previous Heart of the Hill (HOH) groups have done.
During lunch, there will be the beloved tradition of Music on The Quad where Greenhill host artists to perform on the Quad.
“It is such a good way for the community to come together and to enjoy music and food,” junior Benji Lacher said. “Especially with the beautiful Quad we have, it is so fun.”
After lunch will be the HOH meetings, the first meeting of the year, and the ice cream social, a tradition started by Helen Fulton.
“Despite coming to Greenhill only a few years ago, I have already grown so close to others in my HOH, and it’s not just my grade but the younger kids too,” said junior Dani Reiman.
To finish the day, grade levels will engage in their own activities, which have yet to be announced.
The Greenhill Fund will also kick off on Founders Day as cookies will be passed out to parents with QR codes to give to the fund and social media messages and emails will be sent out as well.
“Greenhill is worthy of our support; I’m always amazed at the really cool things our students and faculty are doing,” said Director of Annual Fund and Major Gifts Robert Clements. “Giving is a way that we can be the Greenhill we want to be.”
