Celebrating the 4th of July in Andover, New Hampshire should be added to your bucket list. The dawn 'til dusk celebration organized by a team of volunteers from the town is small town Americana epitomized. Andover's population swells from 2,000 more than four times that as visitors flock to to the town green for a flea market, musical performances, raffles, games, parade, and once the sun sets, fireworks over Carr Field!
On a day when we celebrate our country’s independence, we are simultaneously reminded of our interconnectedness with those in our local community. Proctor’s campus serves as the center of the day’s festivities, and we are thankful we can play a part in hosting the event. But it is through the hard work of the Andover 4th of July Committee that the day has developed into a one-of-a-kind celebration over the past 74 years. Funds are raised by the committee throughout the year to sponsor the event and the remarkably good (for a small town) fireworks.
A string of events over the past month, including the recent fire in Thoreau House, have reiterated our reliance on the greater Andover community around us. As floats and fire engines carrying veterans, preschoolers, local service organizations, and firefighters paraded down North Street in front of Gulick House, it was hard to hold back the emotions that accompany the independence we are so fortunate to enjoy as a nation. This year's parade theme was celebrating our heroes. How lucky are we to enjoy blue bird skies, temperatures in the high 80s, and a slight breeze as we celebrate our freedom because of those who have fought, and continue to fight, both big fights and little to ensure our freedom?
At Proctor, we take great pride in our nation’s independence, as well as our independence as a school. As an independent private school, we set our own curriculum, start new programs, and shift direction with relative agility. We are able to shape a global educational model that we believe best serve adolescents in their pursuit of their own independence as learners.
We love that we do ‘learning’ differently at Proctor, with our own flare of independence. We also acknowledge the work we do as a school would not be possible without the support of our families and those within the local community who come to our aid when we need it most. It's funny that no matter how independent you feel you are, you still need the support of others to be your best.
