Grandparents Attend School for a Day

About 125 grandparents of current students visited Westminster April 13 to spend the day with their grandchildren. They attended classes and chapel, ate lunch in Armstrong Dining Hall and viewed afternoon athletic contests. Grandparents Day was especially joyful this year following two years in which it could not be held due to the pandemic.

 

The day kicked off with Head of School Elaine White welcoming everyone to campus. “This is one of our favorite days on campus,” she said. “Both faculty and students love having grandparents on campus. You are happy to be here and have your grandchild at the center of your world. You are excited to be in class and maybe even participate, and you are not nearly as embarrassing as your own children are. You are not coming with any expectations of perfect grades or reminders to see that teacher for extra help. You are really in our space with love and pride today, and it is palpable. And after more than two years with of no Grandparents Day, that is a gift that we are welcoming with open arms. I know you are going to have a wonderful day with your beautiful grandchildren today. Thank you for blessing us today with your presence.”

 

Mary and Dick Kiddy GP’14, ’17, ’24 were visiting from Feeding Hills, Mass., to see their granddaughter Marleigh Monroe ’24. They are no strangers to campus, having attended previous Grandparents Days and sporting events, including recent softball games. “We are here to support her and like seeing other grandparents,” said Dick. And Mary added that they looked forward to seeing what students do in their classes.

 

Susan and Dennis Vincent GP ’23, who were experiencing their first Grandparents Day at Westminster, were spending the day with Kaitlyn McQueeney ’24. “We like the opportunity to meet some of Kaitlyn’s friends and see interactions in the classroom,” said Susan. “We enjoy seeing what she goes through every day,” added Dennis. “It is also a chance to see the beautiful campus and school.”

 

Roseann and Frank Lombardi GP ’23, ’25, who live in Simsbury, spent the day splitting their time with Jack Darnowski ’23 and Cayden Darnoswki ’25. “Grandparents Day is a special opportunity for students to bond with their grandparents and show them where they go to school,” said Frank.