Walnut Hill School was founded in 1893. With over 100 years of school history and several generations of graduates, many unique traditions have developed and been passed from one graduating class to the next. The following traditions are listed in the order they occur at the School.
Mountain Day
This tradition takes place in October and serves as a community-building event for the senior class. The entire class ascends one of the most hiked mountains in the world, Mount Monadnock. This event gives the students a sense of accomplishment and class spirit.
Class Night
In early October, a special dinner honors seniors as they assume responsibility for leading and serving the School. After a reception, the entire School, seated by class, dines together. Seniors are served first. The Senior Class President and the Community Council President give speeches stating their goals and expectations for the year. Then, to symbolize their willingness to serve the community, seniors serve dessert to the entire School. Proper dress is required.
Senior Privileges
Each November, seniors make their request for specific senior privileges through the Senior Class President. Typically, several of these are approved by the administration. Senior privileges are extended on the assumption that seniors have attained a level of maturity and self-discipline that will allow them to exercise their privileges wisely. If these privileges are abused, they will be revoked. Seniors whose grades fall markedly may have senior privileges rescinded by the Academic Dean.
Boar’s Head Procession/Holiday Dinner
During December, Walnut Hill observes several holi–day festivities. These culminate in a formal dinner and Holiday Party the night before Winter Break begins. The dinner begins with a medieval ceremony, the Boar’s Head Procession, performed by leadership students. A senior—chosen by the faculty and senior class in recognition of his or her character and contribution to the School—leads the procession and sings the Boar’s Head song. Students are seated by dormitory. Proper dress is required.
Tree Day
On a spring day, seniors invite faculty and students to participate in the Tree Day ceremony. The class tree is planted along with a penny with the year of the graduating class. The tree itself symbolizes the growth of the seniors within the School and their continued growth, contributions, and achievements after they leave the School. The Senior Class President reads a poem, and another class year is inscribed on the Tree Day shovel.
Ring Day
One spring evening, the senior and junior classes meet for the Ring Day ceremony. At that time, the seniors pass the keeping of the School to the junior class. The seniors form a circle around the juniors, and one by one the juniors are called to take the place of the seniors, each receiving their School ring or pin. The Community Council President reads a poem, and seniors and juniors exchange places in the circle. Seniors are then inducted into the Alumni Association. Proper dress is required.
Senior Class Day
All seniors in good standing are excused from classes one day in the spring so they can participate in a local group activity. Senior Class Day allows them to begin the process of separating from Walnut Hill while enjoying their final class trip of the year.
Candlelight Service
Two days before Graduation, at dusk, the entire School assembles in the orchard by class—girls dressed in white, boys in coats and ties—for a candlelight ceremony. Seniors are the last to extinguish their candles, as one by one they say farewell to the School and to one another. New Gold Key members are announced. The Community Council President and the Senior Class President speak. The Senior Class sings a senior song.
Awards Night
The evening before Graduation, the entire School, parents, and guests are invited to attend a presentation of new officers and the academic, arts, and character awards. Foremost among these are the Hester Davies Citizenship Cup, the Friendship Award, and the Arnold C. Taylor Award for Academic and Artistic Achievement.
Graduation Dance
Following Awards Night, the Parents’ Association sponsors an all-School dance to allow an opportunity for community celebration.
