The school year officially began with the annual convocation ceremony held in Elfers Hall on Friday, September 6.
The ceremony marks the full integration of new students into the community.
When Head of School Mr. Craig Bradley addressed new students, he said, “You are new no longer. You have officially signed into theplace. You’re Hotchkiss students
with full rights, privileges, and responsibilities.”
Dr. Jason Larson, director of religious and spiritual life, opened the ceremony with an invocation.
He invited audience members to hold hands with the people next to them and reflect on their experiences at the school. He said, “There’s something about the spirit of Hotchkiss that is really special. I tried to articulate how critical it is for us to embrace that spirit so that we can be one school.”
All-school presidents Eleni Kontokosta ’25 and Isaiah Stephens ’25 then spoke to new and returning students.
They thanked Ms. Maggie Crain, director of new student orientation, for organizing a warm welcome for new students.
In their speech, they encouraged students to take advantage of the school’s many opportunities and engage with as many community members as possible.
“Immerse yourselves, show up to events and games, definitely show up to class, and most importantly, show up for each other. Our community is stronger when we embrace one another, no matter how different we all may seem,” said Kontokosta.
The class deans then awarded major school prizes to Lower Mids, Upper Mids, and Seniors.
Lilah Crispino ’27, a recipient of the Upson Prize, which is awarded to Preps who are “distinguished in scholarship, athletics, and citizenship,” said, “I play on three Varsity teams and serve on the boards of many clubs on campus where I try to help create a sense of community. I’m really honored and proud to receive this award—and proud that I get to be associated with other successful people in the community that I look up to.”
Danielle Attoh ’25 received the Augustus S. Blagden III ‘59 Memorial Prize, the only prize with just one recipient. It is awarded each year to “a member of the incoming Senior class who, through their participation, enthusiasm, vitality, and
interest in others has helped and inspired their companions and the school.”
Mr. Richard Davis, dean of academic life, then awarded top scholar prizes to the students in each class with the highest cumulative averages.
The class of 2027’s top scholars were Deven Patel and Tyler Rosenblum; the class of 2026’s top scholar was Katharine Ellis; and the class of 2025’s top scholar was Bill Wang.
To end the ceremony, acapella groups Calliope and Blue Notes led the school in singing “Fair Hotchkiss.”
