2025 Opening Convocation
The 2025-26 school year began with sunshine, song, and the Panther spirit as the Holton community gathered in our beloved Anne Davis Camalier Amphitheater for Convocation. Students, faculty, staff, Trustees, and families gathered on a picture-perfect morning to reflect, sing, and share in the joy of a new beginning.
The program opened with a lively rendition of “All You Need is Love” by the Beatles, setting the tone for a gathering filled with inspiration, community, and purpose. Speakers from across the Holton community, including our Head of School, Chair of the Board of Trustees, beloved educators, and student representatives from all three divisions, offered reflections on what it means to begin with intention and heart.
Head of School Penny B. Evins welcomed everyone with these words:
“The first day of school, our special Convocation gathering, carries a promise: a fresh start, a new beginning, and the opportunity to set goals and share intentions. Today is about each Panther making a purposeful choice about how they will approach the year ahead.”
Mrs. Evins encouraged the community to return to the bold vision of Holton’s founders, Mrs. Holton and Ms. Arms, who imagined a school that would nurture not only the mind, but also the soul, and spirit of young women. A home away from home where excellence is rooted in love and sisterhood.
Associate Head of School Barbara Eghan offered a unique reflection on our mascot, the Panther:
“Each of you represents your own kind of pather. You each have your unique stories, struggles, and strengths that aren’t always visible. The people around you are, similarly, just like those black panthers, and with a closer look and genuine curiosity, you might be able to spot their unique patterns. I hope you will challenge yourself to see beyond the surface and discover the struggles, the kindness, the fears, and the joys that live within each of us.”
Voices from the student body added even more heart and perspective to the morning.
Sanya K. ’32, spoke about the power of stepping outside her comfort zone:
“I find that every time I take the risk and speak up, the next time it gets a little bit easier and I hope with the help of our teachers and classmates, we all can make a habit of taking such risks. So when we walk out of this school, we can take on our future challenges with confidence and courage.”
Harriet R. ’30 Holton’s culture of kindness:
“Now, as we kick off the 2025-2026 school year, I am eager to return to our community where small acts of kindness are part of everyday life. I look forward to continuing our strong values of sharing love and kindness while we each find our own voices, together.”
Representing the Class of 2026, Laila C. spoke of the importance of intentional care within the community:
“We should never miss a moment to help each other. You can spread love through supporting and caring for members in our community every day ... When we are there for each other, we are stronger. These acts of love all say, “I see you and I hear you.” They are shown without being asked, but instead out of a genuine desire to create a space of belonging and togetherness.
The morning closed with the singing of our Alma Mater, joyful applause, and hopeful hearts.
