This fall has been packed with new and old traditions for seniors to celebrate the start of their final year on the Hilltop. In addition to painting cars and wearing childhood backpacks, seniors took part in bulb planting in the orchard.
Advisor and Drama teacher Willie Teacher helps his advisory out with digging the hole in their area. With some rocks in the soil, the process of digging a large enough hole was difficult. However, the teamwork from taking turns among the advisory brought together enough strength to dig a proper hole and begin planting the bulbs.
Upper School biology teacher Tessa Johnson spearheaded this activity. She provided bulbs from the Netherland Bulb Company for each advisory group to plant.
“I wanted the seniors to have a special place for themselves in the orchard,” said Ms. Johnson. This activity provided seniors the opportunity to spend some time in the orchard, which Ms. Johnson felt she did not see enough of.
Each advisory group was assigned a specific location in the orchard alongside a set of six to eight bulbs to plant: alliums, daffodils, and tulips. The first task was to dig an eight-inch deep hole in the soil to make room for the first layer of bulbs. From there, two inches of soil were added, followed by another layer of bulbs. Lastly, two more inches were added to plant the third and final layer of bulbs. The rest of the hole was filled with soil to complete the planting process. Advisories worked together, with students and teachers taking turns to set up the bulbs.
Statistics and advisor Jon Gruenberg assists his advisees in shoveling the soil for their bulbs. His advisory utilized team work and collaboration to complete the process.
In addition to the bulbs and planting supplies, pizza was provided. Before and after the planting, students enjoyed lunch together. The seniors were able to gather around and sit together, with various seating arrangements in the orchard, including benches and Adirondack chairs.
“The pizza was good, it was a fun activity, and the flowers are something that will last in the orchard forever,” said senior Will Earley.
Not only was this activity a great way to spend time outdoors and commemorate seniors’ final year, but it also provided an opportunity for students to bond and work collaboratively with those in their advisories.
“I really enjoyed the senior bulb planting because it was nice to further connect with my advisory and grade. I found that working together to plant our bulbs in a unique and fun way was really fulfilling,” said senior Olivia Houck.
