The campus roared to life yesterday as the first wave of preps and upper mids arrived in Lakeville, greeted by a cacophony of drum beats, ringing bells, cheering, and flag waving from orientation leaders. At the MAC sports complex, Prep Dean Nora Yasumura was on hand to extend a warm welcome to families and guide them to registration.
Over in the field house, arriving students joined in the ongoing Olympian vs. Pythian ball toss tournament. After Monday's competition, the Olympians team, made up of seniors and lower mids, took the lead. Yesterday, with more students in the game, the Pythians upped their standing to 7,995 points, pulling ahead of the Olympians, who ended the day with 7,490 points. The tally is virtually neck and neck; with two more days left of Opening Days, there is no telling which team will claim victory!
Outside dormitories, students gave goodbye hugs and listened to last minute advice from parents as proctors and orientation leaders welcomed them, helping to keep track of suitcases, musical instruments, and sports gear. Dorm groups enjoyed grab-and-go picnic lunches on Watson lawn and Bissel quad, even squeezing in a pickup soccer game in front of Redlich, all the while adhering to social distancing guidelines.
Also on Tuesday, all new students attended a welcome meeting and a mandatory COVID-19 training via Zoom. After dinner, all new boarding students attended a proctor meet-and-greet and dorm orientation, where students got acquainted with their dorm heads and got to know each other a little better!
Carrie Cao '23 commented, "I got my dream proctors and I'm so excited!"
As students settled into their rooms, they expressed both anticipation and relief. "Feels good to unpack, see some friends (distanced of course), and prepare for what is to come!" said lower mid Shiyao Lam.
