After a busy morning of moving in and registration, the 177th year of Blair Academy commenced with Orientation on September 2, bringing together students and faculty for a day of activities designed to build community connections before the start of classes. Organized by Associate Dean of Students Rod Gerdsen, the event featured tailored activities for each grade level: the ninth grade engaged in icebreakers and a campus-wide scavenger hunt, 10th graders enjoyed the greater Blairstown area by hiking a local portion of the Appalachian Trail, 11th graders bonded over a few rounds of fun at Circle Bowl, and seniors took a trip to The Golf Zone to show off their skills and make new memories at the start of their final year. The day concluded with a community-wide picnic dinner in the Bowl and an opportunity for new students to meet up with their “Big Sibling” for ice cream before class meetings.

“Orientation is the perfect way to start off the new year,” Mr. Gerdsen said. “The energy is infectious, and the entire community is thrilled to be back together. We can’t wait to keep this spirit going through our first community weekend.”

Thanks to the artistic eye of Dean of Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Evan Thomas, Director of School Photography Tyson Trish, English department chair Jim Moore, Hon. ’93, and language teacher Jaime Mundo, this visual essay below captures the essence of the memorable event.