March 30th and April 4th were the most important days of the year here at George School. Students were officially accepted into the school, and now admission and students continue to wait patiently for agreements and contracts to be signed. The most important part was these students seeing what they might be getting into. The event called CAS, also known as Celebration for Accepted Students, was hosted by the admissions office to show off George School and all its glory. In addition, 133 students volunteered to help execute this incredible day.
Volunteers started the day at 7:30, as “cheerleader”, who were boarding students welcoming and cheering the accepted students into the FAC (Fitness and Athletic Center) while guiding parents into the Meetinghouse. In the FAC, students received a name tag on a colored lanyard, the color corresponded to their group for the day.
Students met with their pod leader at 8:00 for introductions with their group, icebreakers, and they go over to their first class of the day, varying between student grade and interest. They participate in class like a regular George School student would and get a sneak peak into what they will be learning. After class, their pod leader collect them and bring them to Thursday’s Meeting For Worship, a mandatory 35-minute time of reflection, relaxation, and peace. It is a considerable part of the Quaker religion that students are introduced to, and required to participate in, regardless of their faith.
After the silent time in the Meetinghouse, they headed over to the second class of their day. Depending on their lanyard color and grade each group went to a different class, to mimic how their school days next year will be, especially with the new schedule.
Lunch was different than usual. Originally, lunch for regular students is in the main dining hall. At the last minute, admissions decided to join the rest of the school with the accepted students for a lunch at the multipurpose gym in the FAC. In doing this, accepted students see more into how everyone acts during lunch, they can make more friends with students, and we can ensure that every student will be with someone to sit with, a CAS member or not. As I looked around the gym, I saw no students eating alone, and if anything, tables were overloaded with chairs from all the students trying to sit together including others.
Afterwards, there were student and teacher panels, where parents and promising students could ask all of their mind-whirling questions and get satisfaction with the answers to their worries and curiosity.
The event was so heartwarming to watch, and admissions and students alike are so excited to see everyone who comes to George School. If you’re an accepted student who hasn’t already, #SayYestoGS!
