By Reed Gabhart, Head of Goshen Campus
There is nothing quite like the first day of school! And this year was certainly no exception. And whether you’re entering your 29th year in a school (as some around here are), or it is your very first day of school ever, jitters and butterflies are to be expected. Which is all the more reason it is so touching to see our little ones literally skip or fly into the building with no reservations whatsoever. I think they know they are entering a “Willy Wonka” type of school where the teachers intertwine learning with fun, wrapped up in a coating of compassion.
And, to be sure, we had our usual first day bobbles; a traffic light out on Highway 42 that caused back-ups, late buses, and a late first period; some scheduling glitches that mandated emergency coverage; and even a short-staffed kitchen, but no matter – it was another very successful first day with far more smiles than tears! And the first day brings so much promise. What will the year be like? What will the new theater and front entrance look like at the end of the year? How will we get around the building? Who will my best friends be? What will we do in projects? What field trips will we take? What service project will we do? Everything will be answered in time. And the journey will be the best part.
As an example of “answered in time” and the rite of passage of the first day, I leave you with the most precious of pictures: Below, left to right, are Scotty Rivera, Hayden Jones, and Kennan King on the first day of school as deep-voiced, strapping 8th graders in the Class of 2019. Above, are the same three lads starting the 2010-11 school year as wide-eyed kindergarten students. We’ve watched them grow up before our eyes, and here they are: three friends who have come a long way and are excited to embark upon their latest adventure. Let the journey begin!