What makes a Greenie special cannot be ascertained or seen from the outside.
Another universal truth begs to differ – a Christ School senior will never be the same, in his eyes or the eyes of others, after wearing his green blazer for the first time.
Beloved alumnus and former faculty member Eric Thorp ’01 was asked to speak at Tuesday’s presentation ceremony for the Class of 2026. One by one, the 63 seniors had the custom-fitted blazers slipped over their shoulders by Head of School Dr. Sean Jenkins P'29 as their names were read aloud in St. Joseph’s Chapel by Assistant Head of School Lisa Darling.
“Embrace the feeling of confidence, pride, and accomplishment that this blazer will provide,” Eric told the seniors.
“Wear it every opportunity you have this year and wear it proudly. Lean into your individual hopes and dreams for the year ahead, knowing that they are varied and you are likely to have bumps and setbacks along the way. Let these blazers be an opportunity to remember that your senior year is a special time and let them be a very obvious and clear reminder that you are a member of the Long Green Line experiencing a special time in your life at a special place with your Greenie brothers.”
Eric graduated at a time where the green blazer was not a Christ School tradition. He got to see their power in later years as he worked here from 2007 to 2024 in the Advancement, Admission, and Athletic departments. Eric is the co-founder of the 38 House marketing company along with Graylyn Loomis '10.
Chaplain Peter Hartwig blessed the green blazers with a prayer that included this closing segment:
“Bless these green jackets, that they may be a sign to those who wear them and those who see them of the higher calling of leadership at this school and in every community to walk in the way of good, to resist evil, to care for the vulnerable, and to seek your higher will in all the sermon.”
More on this story to come....