On a picture-perfect morning, students, faculty, and staff gathered together on Chandlee Field for Gilman’s opening convocation to welcome the 2025–2026 school year. As is tradition, the procession was led by a bagpiper — this year, alumnus Eli Clemens ’14 — followed by representatives from each grade carrying the class flag and seniors, who walked hand in hand with kindergarten and prep-one boys. It was a full-circle moment on this Wednesday, September 3, for students from the Class of 2026 who remember making the same walk when they were the ones holding up their little hands to reach the grasp of the upperclassmen.

The Traveling Men graced the crowd with their signature rendition of the national anthem, followed by an invocation from Director of School Counseling Services Dr. John Mojzisek. School President Rohan Vesley ’26 and Senior Class President Bo Vaughn ’26 gave readings, followed by remarks from Head of School Henry Smyth.

“A bell is no bell ‘til you ring it. A song is no song ‘til you sing it. Love in your heart wasn’t put there to stay. Love isn’t love ‘til you give it away.” This quote by famous lyricist Oscar Hammerstein was first read by Vaughn and then repeated by Smyth, whose keynote explored two ideas expressed in the verse.

“In order for some things to be what they are supposed to be, they need to be put into action,” he said. One example is the proverbial tree that falls in the woods with no one around to hear it. Does the tree make a sound? According to one source, Smyth said, “No. There needs to be someone there to pick up the sound waves.” He went on to add, “Action matters. A good and useful life requires us to live actively.”

The second idea: “Our lives also benefit from interaction. In order for some things to be the most useful or to be what they are truly meant for, they need to be shared with others.” Some examples: love, gratitude, a smile, a book. “It is in these interactions and exchanges with others that our lives are more fully enriched.”

In closing, Smyth repeated a familiar mantra by encouraging all in attendance to “show up and show love for each other” — by saying hey, setting a positive example, and cheering on classmates in athletics and the arts. “Lift others up just as they help to make you who you are. We are better together.” 

Once again, the Traveling Men stood before the community, this time to perform the school hymn, “O God Our Help in Ages Past.” The convocation concluded with the benediction led by Assistant Head of School for Community, Inclusion, and Equity Mike Molina.

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Photos by Steve Ruark '96

Watch the opening convocation