On June 13, 2011, the Beech Hill School Board of Directors met for the first time. This was the first official act for the innovative independent school in Hopkinton, which now serves students in grades five through eight. On that day, there were no teachers, no students, and no administrators. There was, however, a Board of Directors, led by School Founder Emily Ricard and a clear vision. That day, the Board articulated the vision “to develop intellectually curious and capable young adults who will become contributing citizens and informed decision makers.” Ten years later, this vision has become reality, and today the current students, the alumni, and the school itself, are thriving.
Last week, The Beech Hill School recognized its 10-year anniversary with a celebration called Founders Day. On June 11, the community met briefly, while Head of School, Rick Johnson, shared a brief history of the school and its founding. Following these brief reflections, the students and faculty, clad in commemorative T-shirts, played games and feasted on treats from Mamas on the Run food truck and The Smoothie Bus. Johnson has indicated that Founders Day will become a yearly celebration for BHS students, hoping that it will eventually welcome families, alumni, and guests in the years to come.