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Grandparents Day Highlights Connection and Gratitude
On the first frosty morning of the season, more than 245 grandparents and relatives arrived on Williams Hill, eager to connect with students and spend the school day with them.
After breakfast in Gund Dining Hall, students guided their guests to Andrews Memorial Chapel, where Head of School Elaine White welcomed them and explained the history and tradition of the Chapel program at Westminster. “This is a space where we celebrate community and one another. We are honored to have you share in that tradition with us today and having you on campus today makes our day even better.”
In her chapel talk, Fourth Former Susan Wang ’29 from Shanghai, China, reflected on the quiet, unmistakable ways her grandmother’s love has shaped her life, even from 7,000 miles away in China. Sharing her grandmother’s saying, “You have to buy a ticket before you can win the lottery,” Susan described how her grandmother’s wisdom has influenced her life at school, encouraging her to say “yes” to new experiences and to appreciate the everyday moments that make her feel lucky to be part of the Westminster community.
Grandparents accompanied their grandchildren to academic classes, and whether it was algebra, Latin, or the chemistry of DNA, they were engaged and curious about what students were learning at Westminster. In between classes, grandparents visited The Martlet’s Nest to purchase Westy gear, paused to sit in the sun on Keyes Patio, and had their portraits taken on Commencement Lawn. Lunch in Armstrong Dining Hall was full of conversation, explanations, and smiles before families moved on to afternoon activities and programs.
During the busy afternoon schedule of on-campus games and matches, Ronald and Jean Gailun P’98, ’04, GP’26, ’26, ’30 of Longmeadow, Mass., enjoyed speaking into “The Martlet Mic” in Armour Academic Center with Charlie Baird ’30. “We have two daughters who came here, and Charlie will be our third grandson at Westminster. We have always loved going to the games. That’s always been really fun for us.”
Brothers Colin ’27 and Jack ’30 Daly enjoyed the time spent with grandparents on this school day. “I like getting to take a picture with my grandparents. I hold on to them, and they are fond memories to have,” said Colin. “For me, the highlight of Grandparents Day is going to breakfast with them and catching up since we don’t see them a lot,” said Jack.
As Elaine White said to grandparents at the start of the busy day, “We speak often about grace and gratitude here, and today gratitude comes in big, capital letters because you are with us.”
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