Freshmen Grandparents visit campus

A beautiful autumn day brought hundreds of visiting grandparents to Saint John's.

In one of the school's most treasured annual traditions, grandparents of the newest class of students arrived on campus for a brunch and grandson-led tours around their new school.

300 grandparents, some of whom attended Saint John's or sent children to the school, were back a generation later to see how the school has changed and the many ways it has maintained its identity and values over time. Still many guests were welcomed to Saint John's for the first time, and received a first-hand look into the place where their beloved grandsons spend their days.

A brunch in the Coaches Pavilion was followed by two captivating speakers. Current senior Chris DeWolfe (pictured below with his family) shared with the grandparents gathered - his own family among the listeners - the pivotal role his own grandparents have played in his life so far. Hearing their stories of their passions, interests, and life journeys inspires him daily, and has formed him into the man he is today. Chris' grandfather's love of music instilled in him a dedication to music and an appreciation for art in the world. He maintains that the greatest gift grandparents can pass on is simply to share their stories and love with their families.

Chris went on to recognize the gifts Saint John's has given him, from true friendship to a place to discover one's passion and explore life-changing ideas. Chris then performed a touching acoustic rendition of "Above The Clouds Of Pompeii" by Bear's Dean.

Headmaster Alex Zequeira P'19 reflected on what this special tradition meant to his son's grandparents when they visited during his freshmen year. He spoke of his own grandparents' sacrifice, having sent their children from Cuba to Miami at a young age in search of a better life, and how the values and traditions they would share with him as he grew up literally shaped him into the person he has become. 

As the headmaster spoke, the freshman class slowly filed in to the room, surrounding their guests, who they took on tours of their new school.

Find more pictures of 2016 Grandparents Day.

Grandparents Day 2016
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