Brotherhood

Always a magical time on the Hilltop, December was filled with holiday celebrations and cheer. Hanging of the Greens and Lessons and Carols filled the Chapel with candlelight and song. The faculty children alongside Salisbury students created whimsical gingerbread houses, and the Dining Hall prepared a delicious holiday feast. In addition, Headmaster Chisholm Chandler ’11 (Hon.), P’17 shared a special moment in Chapel with the student body followed by an Open House for the Sixth Form in his home. Also, the spirit of giving was felt campus-wide with a huge toy drive to benefit local families. The few weeks between Thanksgiving and the holidays have traditionally been a favorite for the entire Salisbury community.

Congratulations to the Salisbury Drama Society for their fantastic production of Lord of the Flies. The energy and enthusiasm of cast and crew could be felt by all in attendance. The selection of the adaption from book to stage was perfectly set and performed. Thank you to Director Jordan Rochelson and members of the Salisbury community who supported these wonderful players.

To view and/or purchase photos of the play visit our SmugMug page.

The theme of “service and devotion” remains an essential part of life on the Hilltop. Whether boys are helping at the soup kitchen, serving brunch to guests from Geer and Noble Horizons, doing yard work for those in need of assistance, participating in the Crop Walk, mentoring a little brother or being a part of the American Red Cross Blood Drives, giving back to our local community remains a priority. Fostering a sense of responsibility and compassion, we are so proud of our Knights who are willing to serve and care for others in the Northwest Corner!

Salisbury School’s entry for the Fall Festival Scarecrow Contest was a marvel. Art Instructor Danielle Mailer involved students from various classes from sculpture to woodworking in order to create the enormous pigs that adorned the green at the White Hart Inn.  Following the Chinese calendar, the year of the pig allowed for many hands to build and decorate these winged creatures. Complete with a quote from Winston Churchill, “Dogs look up at us, cats look down at us, pigs treat us as equals,” the boys made them their own! These works of art drew the attention of locals and visitors alike as the town celebrated its biggest weekend of the fall.

Spanish instructors Evelyn Montanez and Lucy Philipp introduced a new tradition in October as Salisbury celebrated Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead. A celebration of Mexican origin, it is a time to remember loved ones who have died, not with sadness but with fond recollection and shared memories. Creating an altar in the lobby of the Centennial Building, members of the community brought photos and memorabilia to honor family, friends and pets. The result was a beautiful display filled with color and joy! 

Salisbury’s commitment to the One Love Foundation and their mission to end relationship violence continued this fall. Marked by the all-school walk to log “Yards for Yeardley”, a powerful Chapel Talk by Trustee Emeritus and One Love board member Herb May ‘83, P’12, and a One Love Football game vs. Hotchkiss, the boys showed their strong support for One Love and the important work of guiding young people as they build healthy relationships. 

Taking advantage of Salisbury’s proximity to New York City, 40 students and faculty traveled to Broadway to see the hit show, To Kill a Mockingbird. Taking in a matinee and lunch, it was a full day of fun as the group enjoyed the theater version of a most beloved book, not to mention the sites and tastes of Manhattan.

On the first “Real Friday Night” in September, students and faculty took the night off from schoolwork to enjoy the talented and renowned a capella group, The Whiffenpoofs from Yale University.  They treated the audience to fan favorites including “House of the Rising Sun” and “The Boxer”.  Sharing the spotlight with fellow Elis, our very own English Instructor Trevor Rees hit the stage for the final number. The L.E.A.D.S. (Learn, Experience, Apply, Develop and Service) Speaker Series provides opportunities to hear from people and groups outside of our community bringing interesting and enriching programs to campus.

In celebration of the varying interests of our diverse student body, the Activities Fair offered opportunities to connect with others who share similar interests. Gathering in the Admissions' Circle, more than 30 clubs set up their booths to attract new members. Well-established favorites included One Love, Key Society, Culinary Club, Debate Club, Community Service, Outdoors Club, Vestry and Rock Band. Joining new this year were Backgammon Club, Frisbee Club and more. Food and fun were on the agenda, as students were treated to culinary offerings from Belin, played ping pong and enjoyed the glorious fall morning. In this festive atmosphere, enthusiastic support for special interests was contagious. It was a great day to be a Knight!