Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Marks Opening of 122nd Year

Westminster School marked the opening of its 122nd school year on Sept. 15 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Armour Academic Center and some traditional activities.

Before heading off to their first classes in the academic center, students and faculty gathered on Commencement Lawn in front of the building. “We gather this morning to begin the new academic year and to open this fabulous new academic center in a formal, official way with a ribbon-cutting and a few remarks from your Head Prefect, speaking on behalf of the student body and Mr. Marco, the Director of Studies, for the faculty,” said Headmaster Cole. “In a few weeks, we will have another ceremony right here in the presence of the school’s board of trustees, alumni, parents and people who were responsible for making this center a reality through their giving and hard work.

“But today, before we hold our first classes in the Armour Academic Center, it seems very appropriate to gather as a community and to consider what a privilege it is for us to occupy this very special space. I hope that many years from now, you will remember that you were present at this event, which is, after all, a very historic moment for Westminster.”

Head Prefect Cris Gomez said he wanted the summer to pass quickly so that he could begin studying in the new center. “I hope you recognize that this is a very special day for the school,” he said. “When I see this building, I see opportunity. Not everyone has the opportunity to study in a building like this. I am sure we will all make Armour Academic Center our new home.”

Greg Marco also commented about how fortunate everyone is to be able to study and to teach in the center. “We waited a long time to occupy this building,” he said. “I put out a challenge to all of us to elevate our own efforts to match this splendid facility. There is energy and excitement in this building, and we have to use it.”

After their remarks, the speakers cut a large black and gold ribbon signifying the opening of the center.

Headmaster and Head Prefect Addresses

Later in the morning, students and faculty gathered in the Werner Centennial Center to hear addresses by Headmaster Cole and Head Prefect Gomez.

Headmaster Cole welcomed everyone to school and explained Westminster’s traditional signing-in ceremony and pin ceremony and the responsibilities that come with being a member of the Westminster community. He then talked about the meaning of the school’s motto, “Grit and Grace.”

"So what do we mean by grit and grace? In large part, they are an attitude and a way of behaving. We show grit in the way we go from classes to chapel and assembly, to sports, to sit-down dinner, to study hall, day after day, week after week, giving our very best in a very demanding, rigorous regimen. We show grit when we juggle our many different, demanding responsibilities…

"In short, grit speaks to our toughness, and not just the physical or mental toughness of our teams, but also another sense of toughness involving character…

"Grace also involves attitude and behavior. Grace means that we respect other people, all people — faculty, students and staff personnel. Grace means that we show kindness, friendliness, good manners, good sportsmanship and tolerance to everyone both within and outside our community."

After Headmaster Cole’s remarks, Cris talked about his arrival at Westminster School in 2006 as a Third Former and gave each form some recommendations for the year ahead. For Third Formers, he told them to do as much as they can, to get involved in the community and to “be yourself.” For Fourth Formers, he told them, “This is your year to come together as a grade.” For Fifth Formers, he told them their junior year would not be easy but to relax and take a deep breath. And for his fellow Sixth Formers, he told them, “It is up to us to make this a year to remember and as fun and as productive as it can be.” He ended by asking everyone to challenge themselves during the year.

Signing-In and Pin Ceremonies

Following the addresses, all new students participated in the signing-in ceremony by entering their signatures in a book that holds the signature of every Westminster student, signifying their formal entry to the school and their membership in the campus community. After this, all Sixth Formers assembled on the Senior Lawn for the pin ceremony, where they were presented a Sixth Form pin as a symbol of their leadership roles at school in the coming year.