Senior leadership positions were announced in a special surprise assembly that has been a tradition at Wooster since its founding years. The bells rang loudly for all to hear, alerting students that it was time for "Moving Up." Students in grades 6-12 filled the James Marshall Chapel with excitement and anticipation. The juniors gathered in the first set of pews awaiting their job assignments for senior year.
As a part of Wooster's Self-help philosophy, students are given complete responsibility for the physical environment of the school. Each day at Wooster, students participate in a "jobs" period. Every senior is assigned a job area, where they are in charge of managing the younger students as they all work together to clean up the campus and maintain order in their building or area.
Brian Hastings, Dean of Upper School, spoke briefly, explaining the tradition of this ceremony, pointing out to the younger students that Self-help at Wooster is bigger than just the jobs program. "Today is a celebration of Wooster and its Self-help philosophy. Self-help is a way of showing our care for others. Self-help builds morale and community. This tradition is a link to our past and gives the seniors the responsibility to be an extension of our faculty."
After Mr. Hastings concluded his speech, Head of School Matt Byrnes spoke to the community. He asked the students "to prepare to think about what is happening so that it can become a learning experience for you regardless of your role today." He remarked, "here at Wooster, everyone can be, and should be, a leader." Before announcing the senior leadership positions, one by one, Mr. Byrnes concluded with "As soon as we tell you what your responsibilities are for next year you should have two thoughts. The first is 'how can I learn as much about the expectations for that job and how that job is currently done.' The second is 'how can I do it better?' We expect you will not let us down!"
Senior Prefect - Audrey Merchan '15 from Danbury, CT
East Campus Prefect - Drishti Choudhury '15 from Danbury, CT
Central Campus Prefect - Isabella Santos '15 from Brookfield, CT
West Campus Prefect - Zachary Karpen '15 from Weston, CT
About Wooster School
Wooster School is an independent, co-educational college preparatory day school, serving students from Fairfield and Westchester Counties. Located in Danbury, Connecticut, the School serves students from Pre-K through grade 12. A leader in classroom innovation and teaching, Wooster School is a place where thinking and learning are personal, meaningful, and visible; and where faculty work closely with students in small classes and cohorts to think and communicate critically and creatively. At Wooster, every student participates, every student contributes, and every student learns and develops the necessary skills to be a life-long learner and leader in college and life beyond.
To learn more, visit http://www.woosterschool.org/ or contact Wooster School Admissions at (203) 830-3916.
Photo Caption: Back row: (from left to right) Audrey Merchan '15, Zachary Karpen '15; Front row: (from left to right) Head of School Matt Byrnes, Drishti Choudhury '15, Isabella Santos '15 after receiving their positions as Wooster School prefects.