Grandparents’ Day Bigger Than Ever

Nearly 200 grandparents of Westminster students visited campus Sept. 29 to participate in this year’s Grandparents’ Day. They came from both near and far away to spend a school day with their grandchildren, attending classes, touring the campus and eating lunch.

For some, it was their first visit to Westminster, while for others, it was one of a number of Grandparents’ Days they have attended in recent years. Linda Cohen of Boca Raton, Fla., was visiting Westminster for the first time and enjoyed her day with granddaughter Shani Rosenstock’13. They attended Shani’s U.S. history and algebra classes and toured the campus. “The school is beautiful and the kids were so well mannered,” commented Linda. For Lou and Matt Kennedy from Monroe, Conn., it was their third Grandparents’ Day. They attended their granddaughter Rachel Kennedy’s ’12, U.S. History class and her field hockey game. And for Jo D’Orsi of West Hartford, who was visiting grandson Brad Woodruff ’11, it was a reminder of her 38 years teaching in the Hartford school system. Although she got a chance to attend Brad’s Spanish and math classes, her favorite part of the day was more personal. “I love being with my grandson,” she said.

The grandparents were welcomed to campus by Headmaster Bill Philip during a faculty panel presentation in the Sejong Lecture Hall. “Each year, Grandparents’ Day gets bigger and bigger,” he said. “It is great to have you all on campus with us.” He talked about his own experience at Westminster, the multi-dimensional relationships between students and faculty, and the “network of Westminster that circles the globe.” He also introduced faculty members David Chrzanowski, Tony Griffith, Bill Sistare, Nancy Urner-Berry ’81 and Melinda Wright, who gave an overview of their areas of responsibility. In closing, Headmaster Philip thanked everyone for “taking the time to visit our campus and to be with your grandchildren.”

Many grandparents attended afternoon athletic events with their grandchildren.