Academy Life Day: Connecting with Old and New Friends

September 22, 2009

With classes barely into their second full week, students old and new headed cross-campus or cross-town to enjoy a fun break together.  Jon ’10 took time out from the Webster inter-dorm competitions to recall that “Academy Life Day was when I first got to know the older students in the dorm. It’s worth taking the day because it can make it easier for us to do dorm activities and sports.”

The girls from Amen wait their turn at a Field Day raceOrganized by dorm on a class-free day, Academy Life Day runs the gamut from face-painting on campus and informal athletic games and competitions, to apple-picking and visits to the nearby beaches or mountains for hiking. Some examples include Williams House, whose members headed to Kittery for football on the beach and some outlet shopping, and Wheelwright Hall residents who headed to downtown Exeter to try their hand at bowling.

Some dorms waited until the last minute to tell students their plans for the day. “Our dorm is keeping it a surprise so we’re ready for anything!” said Brighid ’12 from Hoyt Hall as she and her friend Adrienne ’12 headed for a late breakfast.

Exeter has always been about connections and relationships. Students connect at all levels of campus life, but Academy Life Day is a particularly good way to welcome the approximately 350 new students. Because new students arrive at all grade levels, this is a great opportunity for them to become integrated into dorm life.

Here’s a sampling of student voices–new and returning–from activities taking place all over campus.

Abbot Hall: Capture the Flag and Soccer

Steve ’10: “It’s great to have a relaxing day without classes. We have 10 new kids in our dorm out of 30, so it’s a chance to get to hang out with them.”
Austin ’13: “We’re playing Capture the Flag and soccer. I’m absolutely thrilled to be here. I’ve met most of the dorm kids already, but this is a way to get to know them better.”

Girls from Dunbar take a break from their Scavenger HuntDunbar Hall: Campus-wide Scavenger Hunt

Tamara ’11: “I appreciated being able to sleep in! Today is also a great day to be outside.”
Eseohi ’12 (new):  “It’s given me a chance to see new places on campus. The girls in the dorm are really nice and welcoming.”

 

 

Balloon toss Webster N and SWebster North/South: Kickball, Balloon Toss, Tug of War in front of the library

Dean ’12:  “We had a lot of fun playing kickball today. I’m from the 3rd floor and we came in 2nd. There was a quite a bit of fun yelling among the teams! It all helps pull us together with the new kids in the dorm.”

 

 

Principal Hassan and Dean Weatherspoon help out with the crowds at the Field Day cookout

  Many of the activities centered on “Field Day,” which ran during the afternoon near the stadium. Students participated in a variety of inter-dorm events, including “Izzy Whizzy Spin” races, several name games and a group cookout. Brittany ’11 is a new student who joined in the games as part of Amen Hall. “It’s fun getting to know the girls in the dorm.”

 

English Instructor John Daves, dorm faculty advisor to Webster South, took time out between bouts of Tug of War to sum up his take on the day. “The most important thing is that the kids are having a good time!”  Judging by the smiles on students' faces, today’s activities got an “A!”

 

Tug of War by the Webster boys

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