MESSAGE FROM THE
HEADMASTER
From a Hundred Voices, One by One, Heartfelt Expressions Emerge
I
N CONCERT, the resonance is almost
amount of trepidation —
overwhelming. Yet, alone, each voice offers a
regarding the college experience
distinct and truly unique perspective, person-
that awaits.
ality, and sense of growing possibility.
It all happens during the course of the year
But what’s really amazing is that, during the process, both faculty
in twice-weekly gatherings long known as
and students alike manage to learn
“Senior Voices.”
just a bit more about the experi-
The format is simple: Each senior stands at the Baker Theater podium to share a few thoughts with his classmates in the form of a brief address. Most run about four to six minutes in length. Some are read word for word. Some are more tangential and “off-the-cuff.” As they begin, many of the boys are nervous — their voices wobbly and their hands fidgety. Others are incredibly natural and poised under pressure, as if born to speak to large audiences. Yet, in the speeches they
ences and inner
“HAVING LISTENED TO THEM ALL, ONE BY ONE, I’VE BECOME INCREASINGLY CONVINCED OVER THE YEARS THAT I COULD PICK ALMOST ANY SINGLE SENIOR VOICE, PRINT IT HERE, AND MOVE MANY READERS TO TEARS.”
offer, each and every senior
workings of boys whom we think we know so well. I’m also deeply moved by the candor and unabashed sincerity of many of their remarks — reflections on lessons learned
that I could pick almost any single Senior Voice,
at Brunswick (sometimes
print it here, and move many readers to tears.
joyous, sometimes painful) and the related growth that ensued. And I’m struck by the
(and me) so many memorable moments and
and achieved, thoughts about
opportunities to learn from one another.
friendships forged with classmates and faculty, sentiments
about the importance of family, and genuine
and to Brunswick School.
expressions of the depth of appreciation each
references to the “world beyond Greenwich” and to the excitement — mixed with a healthy
And why each new school year brings our boys
comments about goals set
does great credit to himself, to his classmates, As one might expect, there are the inevitable
It’s why Mondays and Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. often bring the highlight of my week.
feels for all the support he has received. Having listened to them all, one by one, I’ve become increasingly convinced over the years
Thomas W. Philip
WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG
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