---
title: "Independence Day 2017: Understanding Freedom"
description: Proctor's campus serves as host to the Town of Andover's annual 4th of July celebration. Today, we explore the importance of being free to be ourselves.
image: https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hubfs/Blog_Pics/Community/2016-2017/2017%204th%20of%20July/IMG_8025.jpg
---

[![Proctor](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/file-1222761375-png/Images/INTlogo.png "Proctor")](http://www.proctoracademy.org)

[![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Findependence-day-2017-understanding-freedom%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Findependence-day-2017-understanding-freedom%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Findependence-day-2017-understanding-freedom%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Findependence-day-2017-understanding-freedom%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Independence%20Day%202017%3A%20Understanding%20Freedom) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Findependence-day-2017-understanding-freedom%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Findependence-day-2017-understanding-freedom%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail)

## Independence Day 2017: Understanding Freedom

Posted by [Scott Allenby](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/author/scott-allenby)

07/04/2017

The tiny, quaint town of Andover grows by more than five times its normal population of 2,200 people during its annual 4th of July celebration. For the past 75 years, Andover has served as a gathering place for residents of the entire region as the town green and Proctor’s campus are flooded with flea-market booths, games, food vendors, a parade, and fireworks. It is small town Americana at its finest as we celebrate America’s independence and our individual freedoms granted in the U.S. Constitution.

![IMG_8077.jpg](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Pics/Community/2016-2017/2017%204th%20of%20July/IMG_8077.jpg?width=836&height=557&name=IMG_8077.jpg)

*Well over 10,000 people pack 'downtown' Andover for the fleamarket, performances, and parade. Today's crowd was among the largest ever. *

![IMG_8064.jpg](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Pics/Community/2016-2017/2017%204th%20of%20July/IMG_8064.jpg?width=836&height=557&name=IMG_8064.jpg)

*Proctor faculty member Terry Stoecker and Alison Barry P'15, '17 ride in today's parade. *

Politics have played more of a role in our lives than any of us would have liked over the past year, however, the intricacies of American democracy have never been more understood by us as citizens. Regardless of individual lean, civic engagement across the country has skyrocketed, and we each possess a better understanding of the issues facing America today than ever before. We have been in contact with our local and state representatives, we are acutely aware of Congressional votes and Federal appointments, and we have, hopefully, taken the time to understand why others believe differently than we do. We are thankful to be able to freely engage in civil discourse on the local level, and to be able to put our political preferences aside as we collectively celebrate the remarkable independence and freedom America provides.

![IMG_7992.jpg](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Pics/Community/2016-2017/2017%204th%20of%20July/IMG_7992.jpg?width=836&height=557&name=IMG_7992.jpg)

*Andover and Proctor's Cope Makechnie '17 sings God Bless* *America* *to kick of today's 4th of July Festivities*

This appreciation for the idea of freedom extends to Proctor’s work as a boarding school. Each of our students arrives on campus with a certain sense of self shaped through prior experiences (both positive and negative). Too often with adolescents, this sense of self is clouded by self-doubt, thus inhibiting an unfettered exploration of learning. Whether it is because of a hyperfocus on perceived cognitive or physical limitations, a lack of self-confidence, or paralysis by social comparison, high school students rarely allow themselves to follow their passions with the unbridled enthusiasm they are capable of. At Proctor, we want our students to experience true freedom as they set their own course into the future. It is this ultimate goal that undergirds our approach to elevated relationships between adults and students, guides our student centric approach to learning, and maximizes the impact of Proctor’s off-campus programs.

![IMG_8009.jpg](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Pics/Community/2016-2017/2017%204th%20of%20July/IMG_8009.jpg?width=836&height=557&name=IMG_8009.jpg)

*The Town Green transforms into an epicenter of vendors, benefits for local organizations, music, games, and food! *

*![IMG_8025.jpg](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Pics/Community/2016-2017/2017%204th%20of%20July/IMG_8025.jpg?width=836&height=1254&name=IMG_8025.jpg)*

As a society, we are slowly re-learning a lesson Proctor has been teaching its students for generations: freedom fosters unparalleled growth in adolescents because it requires students to have significant responsibility. We are thankful to be able to exercise this responsibility daily. 

## Happy Independence Day to everyone in the Proctor Family!

![IMG_8019.jpg](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Pics/Community/2016-2017/2017%204th%20of%20July/IMG_8019.jpg?width=836&height=557&name=IMG_8019.jpg)

[![Click Here to Start Your Proctor Journey!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/408790/91f123b2-e588-42e4-a172-1d4801b31a91.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/408790/91f123b2-e588-42e4-a172-1d4801b31a91)

[![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Findependence-day-2017-understanding-freedom%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Findependence-day-2017-understanding-freedom%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Findependence-day-2017-understanding-freedom%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Findependence-day-2017-understanding-freedom%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Independence%20Day%202017%3A%20Understanding%20Freedom) [![Share on Pinterest](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/pinterest-24x24.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Findependence-day-2017-understanding-freedom%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Findependence-day-2017-understanding-freedom%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Findependence-day-2017-understanding-freedom%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail)

[![Read and Subscribe to The Buzz!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/408790/interactive-142506864155.png)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJOwuxQQYoeBXIQUSsyVMO1NPcniyjg5Vw4zhrjGauAPignMbgFtaYxpyHpD07Xx0SIo2KNU1CsaGGD9WgBuEG0wmmGp%2FN7BJuS24geMRCXZcjoa%2BI1Ngm3juPoV0PYy%2Fw675sI8RlvHWbsMTyNz2QNBSWAuC5FGqwtl6kcpUD%2FXSiUylUCwxSiJ2YlkdyCY7HGiDEH2f4CIKo%3D&webInteractiveContentId=142506864155&portalId=408790)

### Posts by Topic

- [Off-Campus Programs (522)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/off-campus-programs)
- [Experiential Learning (517)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/experiential-learning)
- [Community (438)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/community)
- [Student Work (416)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/student-work)
- [Academics (265)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/academics)
- [Athletics (255)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/athletics)
- [School Culture (231)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/school-culture)
- [Arts (216)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/arts)
- [Mike's Notes (182)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/mike-s-notes)
- [Educational Model (172)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/educational-model)
- [Student Life (165)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/student-life)
- [Relationships (149)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/relationships)
- [Boarding School (147)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/boarding-school)
- [European Art Classroom (131)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/european-art-classroom)
- [Mountain Classroom (131)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/mountain-classroom)
- [Study Abroad (131)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/study-abroad)
- [Proctor en Segovia (115)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/proctor-en-segovia)
- [Alumni (109)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/alumni)
- [World Languages (104)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/world-languages)
- [Ocean Classroom (100)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/ocean-classroom)
- [Faculty (86)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/faculty)
- [Performing Arts (51)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/performing-arts)
- [Environmental Stewardship (49)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/environmental-stewardship)
- [Admissions (45)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/admissions)
- [The Journey (39)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/the-journey)
- [COVID (37)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/covid)
- [Residential Life (37)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/residential-life)
- [Team Spotlight (37)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/team-spotlight)
- [Health and Wellness (34)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/health-and-wellness)
- [Summer Months (34)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/summer-months)
- [Academic Support (33)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/academic-support)
- [Proctor Woodlands (33)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/proctor-woodlands)
- [Professional Development (32)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/professional-development)
- [Core Values (31)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/core-values)
- [Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (29)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/diversity-equity-and-inclusion)
- [Skiing (29)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/skiing)
- [Staff (29)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/staff)
- [Parents (27)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/parents)
- [Diversity (26)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/diversity)
- [Proctor in Costa Rica (25)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/proctor-in-costa-rica)
- [Family Weekend (24)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/family-weekend)
- [Wilderness Orientation (23)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/wilderness-orientation)
- [Community Service (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/community-service)
- [Winter (21)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/winter)
- [College (20)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/college)
- [Graduation (20)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/graduation)
- [Leadership (20)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/leadership)
- [Head of School (19)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/head-of-school)
- [History (19)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/history)
- [Technology (19)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/technology)
- [Board of Trustees (18)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/board-of-trustees)
- [Brian's Blogs (18)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/brians-blogs)
- [Campaign for Proctor (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/campaign-for-proctor)
- [Proctor Ski Area (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/proctor-ski-area)
- [Afternoon Activities (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/afternoon-activities)
- [Advisor (14)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/advisor)
- [Facilities (14)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/facilities)
- [Self-Advocacy (14)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/self-advocacy)
- [English (13)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/english)
- [Proctor on Snow (13)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/proctor-on-snow)
- [Project Period (13)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/project-period)
- [Euro (12)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/euro)
- [Giving (12)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/giving)
- [Learning Skills (12)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/learning-skills)
- [Thanksgiving (12)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/thanksgiving)
- [Native American Connection (11)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/native-american-connection)
- [Senior Project (11)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/senior-project)
- [Academic Concentrations (10)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/academic-concentrations)
- [College Counseling (10)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/college-counseling)
- [Rigor and Support (10)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/rigor-and-support)
- [Proctor Fund (9)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/proctor-fund)
- [Day Students (8)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/day-students)
- [Dining and Nutrition (8)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/dining-and-nutrition)
- [EdTech (8)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/edtech)
- [Summer Service Trips (8)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/summer-service-trips)
- [Thought Leadership (8)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/thought-leadership)
- [Campus (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/campus)
- [Equity and Inclusion (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/equity-and-inclusion)
- [Innovation (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/innovation)
- [Maintenance Team (6)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/maintenance-team)
- [Science (6)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/science)
- [Social Science (6)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/social-science)
- [Strategic Planning (6)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/strategic-planning)
- [Weekend Activities (6)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/weekend-activities)
- [Remote Learning (5)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/remote-learning)
- [Andover (4)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/andover)
- [Art Exhibits (4)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/art-exhibits)
- [Assembly (4)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/assembly)
- [Development (4)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/development)
- [Holderness Day (4)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/holderness-day)
- [Accepted Students (3)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/accepted-students)
- [Hays Speaking Prize (3)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/hays-speaking-prize)
- [Math (3)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/math)
- [Special Olympics (3)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/special-olympics)
- [Buy Proctor (2)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/buy-proctor)
- [Prep School (2)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/prep-school)
- [Proctor in China (2)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/proctor-in-china)
- [Sustainability (2)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/sustainability)
- [Boat Building (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/boat-building)
- [Dorms (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/dorms)
- [Entrepreneurship (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/entrepreneurship)
- [In Memory (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/in-memory)
- [Mike (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/mike)
- [Proctor Pond (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/proctor-pond)
- [Summer Literacy (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/summer-literacy)
- [Thanks (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/thanks)
- [freshman seminar (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/freshman-seminar)

see all

### Blog Archives

- [May 2023 (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2023/05)
- [April 2023 (19)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2023/04)
- [March 2023 (12)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2023/03)
- [February 2023 (24)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2023/02)
- [January 2023 (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2023/01)
- [December 2022 (13)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/12)
- [November 2022 (18)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/11)
- [October 2022 (21)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/10)
- [September 2022 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/09)
- [August 2022 (9)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/08)
- [July 2022 (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/07)
- [June 2022 (11)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/06)
- [May 2022 (25)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/05)
- [April 2022 (20)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/04)
- [March 2022 (14)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/03)
- [February 2022 (23)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/02)
- [January 2022 (19)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/01)
- [December 2021 (13)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/12)
- [November 2021 (20)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/11)
- [October 2021 (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/10)
- [September 2021 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/09)
- [August 2021 (11)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/08)
- [July 2021 (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/07)
- [June 2021 (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/06)
- [May 2021 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/05)
- [April 2021 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/04)
- [March 2021 (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/03)
- [February 2021 (23)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/02)
- [January 2021 (19)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/01)
- [December 2020 (9)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/12)
- [November 2020 (12)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/11)
- [October 2020 (19)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/10)
- [September 2020 (14)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/09)
- [August 2020 (10)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/08)
- [July 2020 (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/07)
- [June 2020 (10)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/06)
- [May 2020 (13)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/05)
- [April 2020 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/04)
- [March 2020 (14)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/03)
- [February 2020 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/02)
- [January 2020 (18)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/01)
- [December 2019 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/12)
- [November 2019 (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/11)
- [October 2019 (25)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/10)
- [September 2019 (18)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/09)
- [August 2019 (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/08)
- [July 2019 (8)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/07)
- [June 2019 (6)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/06)
- [May 2019 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/05)
- [April 2019 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/04)
- [March 2019 (14)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/03)
- [February 2019 (26)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/02)
- [January 2019 (20)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/01)
- [December 2018 (11)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/12)
- [November 2018 (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/11)
- [October 2018 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/10)
- [September 2018 (18)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/09)
- [August 2018 (9)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/08)
- [July 2018 (9)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/07)
- [June 2018 (10)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/06)
- [May 2018 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/05)
- [April 2018 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/04)
- [March 2018 (13)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/03)
- [February 2018 (23)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/02)
- [January 2018 (20)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/01)
- [December 2017 (13)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/12)
- [November 2017 (19)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/11)
- [October 2017 (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/10)
- [September 2017 (14)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/09)
- [August 2017 (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/08)
- [July 2017 (4)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/07)
- [June 2017 (8)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/06)
- [May 2017 (27)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/05)
- [April 2017 (24)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/04)
- [March 2017 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/03)
- [February 2017 (26)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/02)
- [January 2017 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/01)
- [December 2016 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/12)
- [November 2016 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/11)
- [October 2016 (23)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/10)
- [September 2016 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/09)
- [August 2016 (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/08)
- [July 2016 (5)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/07)
- [June 2016 (11)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/06)
- [May 2016 (25)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/05)
- [April 2016 (23)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/04)
- [March 2016 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/03)
- [February 2016 (29)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/02)
- [January 2016 (18)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/01)
- [December 2015 (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/12)
- [November 2015 (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/11)
- [October 2015 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/10)
- [September 2015 (13)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/09)
- [August 2015 (6)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/08)
- [July 2015 (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/07)
- [June 2015 (8)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/06)
- [May 2015 (27)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/05)
- [April 2015 (19)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/04)
- [March 2015 (14)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/03)
- [February 2015 (24)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/02)
- [January 2015 (21)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/01)
- [December 2014 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2014/12)
- [November 2014 (18)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2014/11)
- [October 2014 (20)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2014/10)
- [September 2014 (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2014/09)
- [August 2014 (6)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2014/08)

see all

### Recent Stories

### Telling the Proctor story

[READ CHUCK'S CORNER AND ACADEMIC LENS BLOG ARCHIVES HERE](http://chuckscorner.proctoracademy.org/chucks_corner/index.html).

[![Speak with someone in Admissions](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/408790/a018312c-fd1e-4710-bacc-58ad2c972eda.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/408790/a018312c-fd1e-4710-bacc-58ad2c972eda)

- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/proctorparents)
  
    - [Proctor Academy](https://www.facebook.com/proctoracademy?ref=hl)
    - [Proctor Alumni](https://www.facebook.com/proctoracademy)
    - [Proctor Parents](https://www.facebook.com/proctorparents)
    - [Proctor Athletics](https://www.facebook.com/pages/Proctor-Academy-Athletics/140880952609576)
- [Twitter](https://twitter.com/proctoracademy)
  
    - [Proctor Main](https://twitter.com/proctoracademy)
    - [Proctor Community](https://twitter.com/PA_Community)
    - [Proctor Athletics](https://twitter.com/PA_Athletics)
- [![Instagram](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/file-1229462312-png/Layout/large_link350423_29017.png)](http://instagram.com/proctoracademy)
- [![LinkedIn](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/file-1222678679-png/Layout/large_link324706_26576.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=3110)
- [![YouTube](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/file-1229462307-png/Layout/large_link324705_26577.png)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzVG9mnN7RsqaXa9VSWiPXQ/featured)
- [![Flickr](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/file-1229072945-png/Layout/large_link324707_26575.png)](http://www.flickr.com/photos/proctoracademy/)

Located in  Andover, NH,  Proctor Academy is a private coeducational day and boarding school for grades 9–12. Students benefit from a rigorous academic program, experiential off-campus programs, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.

[![](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/file-1229072925-png/Images/logoFoot.png)](https://www.proctoracademy.org/)

 204 Main Street  .  PO Box 500  .  Andover, NH 03216  
(603) 735-6000

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Scott Allenby",
    "url" : "https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/author/scott-allenby"
  },
  "datePublished" : "2017-07-04T18:19:14.000Z",
  "headline" : "Independence Day 2017: Understanding Freedom",
  "image" : [ "https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hubfs/Blog_Pics/Community/2016-2017/2017%204th%20of%20July/IMG_8025.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/independence-day-2017-understanding-freedom",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/hub/408790/file-1356544276.jpg"
    },
    "name" : "Proctor Academy"
  }
}
```