Students representing 64 different communities and 100+ middle and grammar schools converged at Grand & Warren for the first time today as members of the Saint Peter’s Prep Class of 2028.
Their anticipation to begin the journey ahead was palpable as they gathered this morning in the O’Keefe Commons amid display screens reading “Welcome Home.” Freshman Orientation then began with a welcome from Prep President Dr. Michael Gomez, Ed.D., ’91.
“This is the greatest school on the planet,” he said. “Just a few minutes ago, you walked in for the first time officially as a member of the Class of 2028. You walked in as a boy. Four years from now, you will be walking out as a man, a Prep man.”
Sharing memories of “Prep magic,” ranging from the 1989 state championship football game, to Prep’s response to September 11, 2001, opening our doors as a place of refuge, to the tireless work of parents, alumni, and administrators repairing the school in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, Dr. Gomez welcomed our incoming freshmen to become part of our rich community and history.
“That’s not my past or just the school’s past,” he said. “That’s our past. Those are your stories now too. You inherit that as a Prep student.”
Further words followed from Principal Mr. Christopher Caulfield, ’03, who urged the freshman class to rise to the challenges ahead, and from Dean of Students Mr. John Morris, who provided an introduction to the standards to which all Prep students are held.
From there, upperclassmen “Big Brothers” guided the Class of 2028 throughout the school, where they found their lockers, toured their classrooms, met their teachers and guidance counselors, played games in the courtyard, and more.
We wish them much success in the academic year ahead. Classes officially start tomorrow.