GFA began the 2024-25 school year with its 99th convocation, marking a renewed focus on growth, resilience, and connection. Associate Head of School Sue Teyan opened the ceremony, welcoming students and faculty and sharing three key lessons for the year. Drawing on the marsh surrounding the school as a metaphor, she emphasized the importance of embracing change like a hermit crab, staying grounded in one's roots, and being mindful of the tides that shape our lives.
Student Council Chair Aidan Weismann ’25 followed, sharing how curiosity, sparked by a chemistry class, led him to explore nuclear energy. He encouraged his peers to pursue curiosity as a pathway to new passions and deeper engagement, both in and out of the classroom. Middle School Co-Presidents, Soren Honarvar ’29 and Blake Levin ’29, presented their vision for the year, focusing on improving the daily menu, implementing a buddy program, and encouraging students to take risks and try new things.
Closing the event with a burst of energy, Head of School Bob Whelan captivated students with both science and spectacle. Using the visual of a "brain" dramatically pulled out of a cloud of smoke, much to the excitement of the crowd, he illustrated the brain’s incredible development during adolescence. He highlighted the importance of curiosity, sleep, and gratitude in fostering personal growth and encouraged students to take bold risks in their learning. Whelan also reaffirmed GFA's commitment to knowing and supporting every student, with a lighthearted promise to learn each student's name by mid-October—further underscoring the school’s deep-rooted dedication to its community.
Convocation 2024 set an energized and inspiring tone for the year, as GFA once again brought its community together with a sense of purpose, curiosity, and connection.
Watch a recap video here.