For the first time in over two years, Westridge hosted its annual start-of-the-school-year Convocation on Herrick Quad. Though typically held inside Hoffman Gym, returning to an in-person event was a much welcomed improvement over the previous two years’ livecast online events. Convocation this year featured the installation of Westridge’s 12th Head of School, Ms. Andrea Kassar.
In her speech, Kassar focused on her love of stories and the necessity of community. “We are part of Westridge’s larger collective story,” she said. “A story of gender equity. A story of forward thinking education. A story of striving to rise. Let’s be immensely proud and honored to be in Westridge’s story. Let’s construct our chapter together in this moment of time. Let’s construct our chapter with the deepest sense of purpose, with the deepest sense of life-affirming fun and always celebrating both our similarities and differences. Let’s construct our chapter with the deepest sense of being all in this together.”
Students and faculty voiced their pleasure about this year’s Convocation ceremony.
“This is my first Convocation in person,” Rysie Y. ’25 said, “and I really enjoyed hearing the new Head of School’s speech. I felt so welcomed and a part of the community.”
Returning student, Mia G. ’25, who experienced Convocation before the pandemic, agreed. “It’s so great to be back at school and be in person with everybody,” she said. “I love the new Head of School. Her speech was amazing.”
Upper School Science Teacher Dr. Ryan Skophammer said, “[Convocation] was a lot of fun. It was a good time to be had by all. [Ms. Kassar] is going to be fantastic. I referenced her speech in a couple of classes.”
Additional Convocation speakers included Associated Student Body President Morgan H. ’23 and the new Board of Trustees Chair, Valerie Rubio Lemmon ’92.
In her introductory speech, Morgan said, “This year I hope that each and every one of you gets the opportunity to explore your place in the community and truly understand the value that you bring. We don’t just strive to rise by ourselves; instead, we do it together.”
Ms. Rubio Lemmon remarked, “The thing that strikes me is that Westridge has always been a place of care and support. I felt it from my teachers as a student here and I feel it as a parent now, too. As we embark on this new school year, I’m excited to see our community carry forward the gift of connection and the empathy and belonging it can create. It’s this environment that empowers our students to bring their whole selves to this ever-changing world.”
During the ceremony, Division Directors Dr. Zanita Kelly, Director of Middle and Lower School, and Mr. Gary Baldwin, Director of Upper School, also introduced new faculty members in their respective divisions.
Credits:
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