Nearly every School Leader candidate over the past decade has rooted their platform in a promise to bring more “school spirit” to Proctor. This year’s leaders, Grace ‘23 and Maks '23, have done their part to help build school spirit this fall, and their energy has been infectious within the community. The spirit they have helped build within the school was on full display this past weekend. 

All of our students were at the center of the weekend. They were the ones organizing the pep rally on Friday evening, creatively putting together Holderness Weekend skits, making banners, taking the stage to perform at the Jazz/Rock and Band Recording Concert, proudly showing parents, advisors, and friends their artwork at the Art Show, and took to the field and sidelines to cheer for each other until their voices were hoarse. 

The evolution of a community from the first weekend of the year to the last of Fall Term is pretty remarkable. Yes, art performances and athletics were at the center of this weekend’s festivities, but in reality, it was Proctor’s sense of community that was on display. It is a community that has evolved through shared experiences, through a willingness to be vulnerable and genuine and supportive. 

Our students' willingness to support each other, regardless of age, friend group, or the usual social barriers that come with teenage cliques, is just not normal for high schools. Over the past ten weeks, this group of students has witnessed the hard work their peers have put into their passions regardless of what those passions are. They are not a group of 380 best friends, but they understand that thriving communities show up for each other. 

Each Holderness Weekend, a Keeper of the Spirit is appointed to lead the sideline cheers. Charlie ‘23 did an admirable job in the role this year, but as we reflect on the past weekend of culminating art experiences and competitions with Holderness School, we are reminded that each of us is a keeper of Proctor’s spirit. 

Proctor's spirit is one that acknowledges each individual’s contribution to the community. It is a spirit that brings adults and students together on a ride that only a school like Proctor can provide. We share the joys of victory, the heartbreak of defeat, and the pride of seeing each other simply step onto the stage in the first place. It is a spirit that celebrates our imperfections within the journey of becoming something more. May we each carry this spirit with us into the week, and year ahead.