Crystallizing a memory in 2026 means putting it somewhere for safe keeping on the camera roll.
Dr. Jenkins P’29 knew his audience Sunday night when he paused his sixth Convocation speech as Head of School, asking every student and faculty member to take out their phones.
The reasoning behind the request would become obvious after everyone wandered for a minute or two from their seats on Yard A, snapping individual and group pictures.
“Guys, keep the photos you took tonight. Look back at them on your graduation morning. There’s someone in your picture, maybe next to you or in the background, who might be a total stranger today, and will become a best friend for your life,” Dr. Jenkins said.
“I want you to remember who you were today and everything that was inside of you, and everything that unfolded ahead, and think back to this time we’re together today. Savor this moment and enjoy all that has come before it and all that’s coming after. Cherish the wonder and the variety and the possibilities in this school year and in you. There is magic here.
In closing, you may realize somewhere along the way here that Christ School didn’t simply prepare you for what came next. You may realize, like our alumni tell us, that Christ School became a part of you. This is the magic of this place. It’s calling for you. You belong here. Starting tonight, Christ School is yours and so is the magic within it. Godspeed to each of you and to all of us as we begin this school year.”
Myles Murphy ’27 evoked the words of civil rights leader Benjamin Hooks in describing what leadership means to him: “If you think you are leading and turn around to see no one following, then you are just taking a walk.”
Myles plans to reward the confidence placed in him as Head Prefect with his passion for people which is the sum of its parts – relationship-building, being present, building others up, listening, accepting input, and leading by example.
“Leadership is more than just being a person in charge,” Myles said.
“Every single person at this school has something different that they bring to the table. Recognizing what makes you different and using it to better the people around you is leadership."
Myles is a sixth-year senior from Fletcher, N.C., and also this year's Day Student Prefect.
Watch a video replay of Sunday's Convocation on our school YouTube channel. From Registration to Field Games, Form Trips, and more, you can find all the photos from Opening Weekend posted here.