A new school year is a fresh start for everyone on a campus, and Senior Class President Alex Landon ’26 reminded everyone at Convocation that Williston Northampton School can provide all the tools in the world—but that students’ ‘blank canvases’ is can only be filled in by themselves.

“My hope for all of us is that when we reflect on our time at Williston, we can look back at our once-blank canvases and see beautiful, colorful paintings made up of bold choices, meaningful relationships, and growth that can only occur when you step outside your comfort zone,” Landon said.

Landon’s words were part of Williston’s 185th Convocation ceremony—the official start of the 2025–26 academic year. During the event on the Academic Quad in front of the Reed Campus Center, Landon joined Head of School Robert W. Hill III and keynote speaker Brendan Hellweg ’14 in giving speeches to the school community. Additionally, the school also honored several teachers with instructorships, and two members of the school community were also honored for working at Williston for 25 years.

“Today, we convene the year with an academic tradition that dates to the Renaissance,” Hill said in his opening remarks. “In coming together like this, we are literally and figuratively forming our community for the school year.”

One connecting theme throughout the speeches and celebrations, was the importance of being a good neighbor—whether in a dorm, athletic field, classroom, or life in general. Landon spoke about starting a Best Buddies program at Williston, and how it showed him the power of what Williston can be.

“At our school, we truly walk the walk of our motto: Purpose, passion, and integrity.”

Hellweg recounted trying out for a play during his time at Williston. In his mind, he was destined for a starring role. Instead, he was cast in a role with fewer lines. Discouraged, Hellweg asked for advice from his theater director at the time. Her words impacted everything for him since: “There are no small parts, it’s up to you to make the most out of your time on the stage.”

Looking out to the students in the crowd, he went on to say that “while you’re in the spotlight, I hope you’ll be locked in on being the showstopper, on turning your three lines into the very best version of yourself. And when your lines are finished, I hope you’ll take the time to celebrate your friends and help them be the best versions of themselves.”

When introducing the faculty awards, Dean of Faculty Chris Pelliccia also touched on the importance of community at Williston, and how faculty members play a vital role in helping students feel acclimated. Pelliccia asked students how many had felt any excited, nervous, curious, or apprehensive while arriving.

“No matter what you’re feeling, there’s an incredible community of adults here to talk to, to confide in, to bounce ideas off of, and to know that no matter what you go to them with, that you will be seen, heard, and supported. This evening, I have the pleasure of recognizing five such individuals.”

Faculty and staff members honored were:

• Kirsten Blaesing, Sandra B. ’55 and Joseph C. Mesics Instructorship
• Haas, Karin O’Neil Instructorship
• Jessi Johnson, Emily N. McFadon Vincent ’49 and Bob E. Vincent Instructorship
• Sarah Klumpp, 25-year Faculty Chair
• Emily McDowell, 25-year Faculty Chair

To view pictures from Convocation, head to our Flickr site. The ceremony can be watched in full on our YouTube page.