At yesterday's Opening Ceremonies & Spirit Day, students, faculty, and staff gathered to kick off Rye Country Day's 151st year with energy and enthusiasm. Clad in RCDS blue and gold, hundreds congregated in the Khoury Courtyard as the Upper School Wind Ensemble and Mr. Hager supplied a rousing soundtrack.
Headmaster Scott Nelson greeted the crowd, clarifying that opening ceremonies are the only occasion where the entire school community gathers—924 students, 200 faculty and staff, and one Wildcat. He also gave a special shout out to the youngest members of our community, the newly added pre-Kindergarten class, set to graduate in 2033! Mr. Nelson spoke about the year's school-wide theme of citizenship citing the responses posted on the Middle School bulletin board in answer to the question, "What does good citizenship mean to you." A few of the answers he mentioned were: Cooperate and get along with each other; include everyone; participate; be kind; and treat others the way you want to be treated—thoughtful reflections from our Middle Schoolers. He ended his remarks urging students to live the School's motto, Not for Self, but For Service, to ensure that all in the School community demonstrate character and citizenship on campus and beyond. "Your good citizenship helps to allow everyone to feel welcome, included, and respected, and it allows us to make the most of the RCDS 2019-20 school year," Mr. Nelson shared.
Student body president Sabrina Reznik '20 concluded the gathering with inspiring words about the joy and diversity of the RCDS community, "Seeing every teacher and student stand together, I am reminded of the incredible camaraderie in our community."