First Day: 'Everything Is About Community'

After members of the Class of 2017 processed hand-in-hand with first graders into Dann Gymnasium — a longtime tradition of First Day — Headmaster Thomas W. Philip began Brunswick’s 114th year by addressing the student body.
 
Philp noted the many Brunswick highlights occurring during the summer months, as the School sent boys to study in Europe, to compete in the Henley Royal Regatta in the United Kingdom, to walk the floor at national political conventions, and to work on the ground at the Olympics in Rio De Janeiro.
 
He focused his remarks, however, on a grueling excursion to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, taken by five Brunswick students, two graduates of the Class of 2016, and two members of the faculty.
 
Kilimanjaro, Philip noted, is the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Less than half of those who attempt to reach the summit — at 19,341 feet — actually do so. Each year, 10 people die in the effort.
 
Incredibly, all nine Brunswick community members made it to the top.
 
“When I talked to them, each one said there was at least one moment during the climb he felt he couldn’t go any farther,” Philip said.
 
“And yet, with the encouragement of others, he pushed himself to the brink and achieved his goals. Although it was incredibly hard, all said they would do it again if they did it together, encouraging each other along the way.”
 
Philip asked the broader student body to use these boys and faculty as an inspiration as the doors opened on a brand-new School year — full of challenge, potential, and opportunity.
 
“I hope everyone in this room asks himself at least once this year whether or not he can meet a goal that’s been set for him. I hope everyone is pushed a bit further than he initially thought he could go and then ultimately achieves it.
 
“I hope everyone has at least one chance to serve as encouragement to others around him. Try to be there for others as you would want others to be there for you.”
 
And, finally, Philip wished all the best of luck as they headed for new classrooms, advisories, and teams — but left them with one final thought. 
 
“Understand that there is nothing at Brunswick about the individual — everything is about the community.

“When you’re at your best, we all benefit. When you’re not, we suffer just a little bit. And when we work together, we will always be at our best.”

Preview photos from Opening Day 2016 on WickPics.org >>>

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