The Hilltop Buzzes with First Friday Festivities

By Lei Anne Rabeje, co-Editor-in-Chief

After three days back on the hilltop, the Upper School took a break from their regular schedule to kick off the year with First Friday activities. Whether it’s the senior class playing spike ball on the Quad, the juniors writing and performing their speeches, the sophomores volunteering at Philipsburg Manor, or the freshman class cheering on one another down at the pool, the hilltop was buzzing with excitement and activities all day.

Hackley’s Class of 2018 kicked off the day with the annual breakfast hosted by Mr. Wirtz, followed by a three-hour college counseling session. Afterwards, the seniors spilled onto the Quad and spent the afternoon playing spike ball and lounging on the grass. Meanwhile, the Class of 2019 spent the morning writing and performing speeches within small groups of eight to ten. After a few hours, the juniors migrated to the Chapel to listen to several speeches voted by the smaller groups.

The Class of 2020 spent the morning volunteering at Philipburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow. With Horseman’s Hollow opening in just a few short weeks, the sophomore class spent the morning cleaning up in preparation for its opening night.

In its sixth annual regatta, the freshman class spent the morning constructing cardboard boats with rolls of duct tape, teamwork, and creativity. The race made for a popular and exciting afternoon as faculty and Upper School students cheered on one another, ending the long day with cheers and laughter.

Check out The Dial‘s coverage below.

First Friday 2017