UPDATE (2/29): How the students saw the move, as photographed/written about for The Bradford, Wellesley High’s student newspaper/website.
We’ve bid farewell to the old Wellesley High and taken a sneak peek at the new Wellesley High School, but now the new school is here for real with students entering it Tuesday for the first day of classes there (thanks to a reader for passing along these photos).
As one student tweeted: “I’m finally able to brag about how nice my school is.”
The opening ceremony included a tribute to Hannah Randolph, the student who died over vacation in a skiing accident, as well as talk of what students wanted to carry over from the old school and leave when they leave the new school. Graduates who were were first to enter the 1938 school were also on hand, as were lion dancers, courtesy of Wellesley School Superintendent Bella Wong.
School activities, including a girls’ playoff basketball game Wednesday at 7pm vs. Madison Park and a new play next week, will get things off to a flying start as well.
Opening ceremonies included students marching from the old WHS gym to the new school next door.
Here’s a list of upcoming WHS events that celebrate the new school.
Sun, Apr 29, 2 PM: Dedication of 1938 Room sponsored by the Wellesley Historical Society, 1938 Room of WHS Library. Come learn about the 1938 Room in the new Wellesley High School and view various artifacts from the 1938 High School that have been incorporated into the new building. Historical Society president Martin Padley will serve as emcee. Historical Commission chairman David Wright will explain the com- mission’s role in developing the 1938 Room, its features and significance. Wellesley historian Beth Hinchliffe will describe a number of the artifacts (plaques, murals, bricks, plantings and others) that were moved from the old school to the new one, discussing the special history of each item as well as its symbolism in bringing the past into the future. Coffee, tea, and cookies will be served courtesy of the Historical Society.
Tues, May 1, 3:15 PM: Preview Tour & Reception at WHS exclusively for Wellesley Senior Citizens, sponsored by The Fund for Wellesley, Council on Aging and North Hill. Space is limited so RSVP to Kait Haas (781-235-3961 or KHaas@wellesleyma.gov) by Apr 13. Wellesley Senior Citizens are invited to an exclusive Preview Tour and Reception at the new Wellesley High School. Current WHS students will lead tours and present information on the many exciting features of the new school. As there is no parking at or near the school, shuttle bus transportation will be provided from the Wellesley Hills Congregational Church (207 Washington Street, Wellesley Hills), courtesy of North Hill and the Council on Aging.
May 14 – May 18: GoSmart (WHS students) sponsored by the Wellesley Green Schools and Trails Committee. In celebration of our new green high school, GoSmart is encouraging all Wellesley High School students to reduce carbon emissions by walking, biking, or taking the bus to school during the third week in May. The Wellesley Trails Committee will publish trail maps in the Wellesley Townsman the prior week, and Landry’s Bicycles will provide free bike tune-ups at WHS on Monday, May 14. Participating students will earn reward points for ‘going smart’ that will enter them into a drawing on Friday, May 18 for prizes donated by City Sports, Marathon and Thunder.
Tues, May 15, 3:30 PM: Rededication of the WHS Wilbury A. Crockett Library. Almost 30 years ago, the library at Wellesley High School was named for legendary English teacher and department head Wilbury A. Crockett. Wilbury Crockett not only taught generations of WHS students devotedly and memorably, but he also inspired a host of English teachers who considered his mentoring and example as the touchstones of their ca- reers. We rededicate the WHS library as a tribute to his legacy.
Fri, May 18 – Sun, May 20: Turn On the Lights Celebration
Fri, May 18, 7 PM: Masterworks Concert featuring WHS Orchestra and Choruses, WHS Katherine L. Babson, Jr. Auditorium.
May 19-20: Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend
(events at http://www.wellesleyparade.com)
Sat, May 19, 9 AM – Noon: Tours of WHS including “green” features.
Sat, May 19, 4 PM: WHS Dedication, WHS Katherine L. Babson, Jr. Auditorium. The public ceremony to officially dedicate the new Wellesley High School Building will include music and presentations by state and town offi- cials, students and the principal. Refreshments will be served and additional public tours will be offered after the ceremony.
Sat, May 19, 6:30 PM: Kids’ Movie Night at WHS screening “The Goonies,” WHS Gym
