Compared to raucous past years, many on campus believed that this past Lawrenceville Weekend was much tamer. The reserved energy revealed a possibly intentional change to redefine Hill school spirit. 

This past Lawrenceville weekend may have been different but that does not mean that there was less school spirit. The logistical changes were most apparent such as the major changes to the all-school assembly, but the core of Lawrenceville remained the same. 

Logistical changes were necessary as many of these changes were of traditions implemented by the former head of school and if they remained unchanged it would have been unwelcoming to the new head of school Kathleen Devaney. 

Instead, these changes, such as the different structure to the all-school meeting and the removal of things like the “thunder clap,” make space for the new traditions that will be created under the new Devaney’s leadership. 

Patience is required with any dynamic and ever-changing thing, like longstanding traditions and rivalry. Many Hill students seem to be aware of this, however, some have especially mature view on the matter of community growth.  

“The tone and quality of the energy was better than I’ve seen in the past,” Damien Giannikas ’24 remarked. “In a game of quality versus quantity, quality always wins.” 

Community members have expressed both positive and negative reactions to this change, with SGA president Mason Moore ’24 being especially positive.  

“I’m remarkably proud of our community,” Moore said. “I was so proud to be a Hill kid – so proud to be a part of this school.” 

Many revere The Hill School for its strong school spirit that is especially apparent during important times of the year such as Lawrenceville weekend. 

“12 years ago, when I interviewed for a job here, of course the school was different in many at that time. What was similar then to what I assess now is that what you phrase to be school spirit was at a different level,” Ari Baum, Dean of Students, said. “As I got familiar with the school, there was just such a clear commonality and association.” 

This palpable school spirit is often cited as being part of one’s first impression of Hill and is critical to the value of the school. More specifically, this high-quality school spirit is central to the Hill experience. 

Many long-term faculty members, especially alumni faculty, quote this positive school spirit as being part of their reason to stay at Hill. Kathryn Malone, Elizabeth B. Blossom Chair of Humanities, remarked that something about the school must be really special for her to dedicate a significant portion of her life to it.

This sentiment is well articulated by Damien Giannikas ‘24. “I was worried about how this Lawrenceville Weekend would play out after the events of last year,” Giannikas said. “I am pleasantly surprised at how great of a comeback our community has made and I know that the future of the school and this treasured rivalry is bright”.