Near the Bell Tower, in the heart of campus, “Happy” by Pharrell blasted from nearby speakers. Moments later, the Class of 2027 gathered to take their group photo.

Just across campus, near the Lower School, “Bye Bye Bye,” the popular *NSYNC tune played — a fitting song as parents waved goodbye to their little ones and faculty and staff members, led by Head of School Derrick Willard, greeted students.

The soundtrack for the day was perfect as Ravenscroft kicked off the 2026-27 school year.

Willard welcomed the Ravenscroft community following the bell ringing by Hannah Bever ’27 and the Parade of Seniors.

“On behalf of the entire faculty and staff, welcome back, students,” Willard exclaimed.

Willard then called representatives from the Lower School (Bishop Bray ’38, Harlem Bray ’37), Middle School (Emery Blount ’31, Aiden Jankovic ’31) and Upper School (Claudia Lloyd ’27, Omar Khan ’27) forward for the Presentation of Colors, a tradition almost as “old as our grand flag,” Willard noted.

After the Star-Spangled Banner, played by the Upper School Wind Ensemble and led by the Upper School Concert Choir, Willard turned his attention to the Class of 2027.

“We welcome our new senior class and challenge them to honor their flag as they complete their final year in the Raven’s nest,” Willard said.

Student Government Association (SGA) Vice President Patrick Tinnesz ’27 led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a speech from SGA President Max Rein ’27.

“As someone who has stood where many of you stand, I hope you are excited for this year,” Rein said. “As we head into a new year, I want each of us to take a moment to remember the people who got us here. It is their influence that makes this future a possibility for us all.”

Rein encouraged his fellow Ravens, telling them they all have the opportunity to do something truly special.

“It’s not every day that we are given the opportunity to learn and grow at a school like this,” Rein said. “No matter how you choose to spend your time this year, on campus or off, be excited that we have such a strong community to share it with.”

Rein then challenged everyone in the crowd to “show up for one another” by going to games, performances and events throughout the school year. Rein told his fellow Ravens to take time to connect not only with people they are already close with, but also with new faces this school year.

“We are the ones who get to make the memories,” Rein added. “No one else. So take advantage of the chance encounters, unexpected conversations and spontaneous opportunities that come your way this year.”

Rein ended his message by reminding all Ravens to think of those who surround them, from first-grade students to seniors, stretching all across campus.

“Somewhere along this imaginary line are your older peers, your future paths and your experiences yet to come,” Rein said. “For all the amazing things you have accomplished, there is still so much more to come at this school.”

Alumni Council President Janie Smith Brooks ’98 then presented the 2027 Class Banner to Lloyd, the senior class president, and Khan, senior class vice president, before Willard dismissed the group to start their first day.

One senior, Isabelle Sotomayor, took it all in.

“I think the memories that are hitting me right now are really just being with my classmates and realizing I’ve grown up with a lot of these kids,” Sotomayor said.

Sotomayor, a Ravenscroft lifer, admitted that her time went by fast. She could remember her days in the Lower School, pulling up on the first day, being greeted by staff and older students, just like it was yesterday.

“I remember being really scared because I wanted to look cool for the older kids,” Sotomayor said.

After the ceremony on the lawn, there was a Tree Talk, the monthly community meeting, in Jones Theatre for the Lower School. The Tree Talk started with the Ravenscroft honor code, followed by birthday shoutouts to those who celebrated in June, July and now August.

The Lower School Leadership Team was introduced to the students before Tetsuya Endo, assistant head of Lower School, shared updates and went over expectations for the school year.

Head of Lower School Jen Baccus ended the Tree Talk by reading a story to all the students. The day ended early, with parents waiting for their students in the carpool line while the Upper School students departed in their cars, heading their separate ways for the day. Tomorrow, Aug. 19, will be the first full day of classes for the Ravenscroft campus.

It was the beginning for some, the beginning of the end for others, like Sotomayor, who cherished her last first day at Ravenscroft.

“We go three months without seeing each other, so we are just catching up,” Sotomayor said as classmates posed for group pictures around her. “All these different things, just being able to do that one last time with the community that I’ve been a part of for the last 13 years is just really special.”