Early Childhood Center Groundbreaking Aptly Child-Centered

Ingalls Gymnasium at Hawken’s Lyndhurst campus was the setting for yesterday’s historic groundbreaking of Hawken's New Early Childhood Center. While attendees included Board members, families, students, faculty, and friends, Director of the Lower School Brad Gill spoke quite literally in commenting, “The children are the event.”

 

After a prelude performed by Alexis Floyd ’12 and Aric Floyd ’14, lower school students flooded the gymnasium with a rainbow of color, processing in brightly colored t-shirts that read “The Beginning is Everything.” Following brief comments and expressions of gratitude from Lower School Director Brad Gill, Head of School Scott Looney, and Chair of the Board of Trustees Charlie Cooley, student presentations included readings, shared memories of Hawken’s early childhood classrooms, and a moving rendition of the song “A New Beginning.”

 

One special highlight was the recognition of Nan Barrett, founder of the Hawken’s Early Childhood Program, along with two original faculty members. Bryan Wamsley, current faculty member and former student of Ms. Barrett, was on hand to present her with a floral bouquet.

 

Excitement built as Aric Floyd led the countdown to the groundbreaking, which was staged in a large sandbox on the gym floor. The countdown culminated in a unison of shovels hitting the sand and an explosion of confetti from all corners of the gym.

 

The event clearly succeeded in raising the level of student enthusiasm about the new Early Childhood Center. As Scott Looney shared renderings of what the interior will look like, a synchronous “Ahhhh!” resounded throughout the gym, signifying the approval and excitement of the masses gathered there to celebrate the project.