Since 1878, Oak Hill Academy has cherished its graduates, and on Saturday, July 16, Oak Hill Academy alumni returned to The Hill for Alumni Day 2022. The first such event in three years, it was a joyful occasion with a record turn-out. Current Oak Hill staff and alumni alike were pleased to re-establish this annual tradition, which had been put on pause since 2020 due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions.
It was a fun-filled day that began with a registration reception in the Archives, followed by a warm welcome message from Head of School, Dr. Michael Groves, in the chapel. Then it was time to ring the Oak Hill bell.
Ringing the bell is a special ceremony here on The Hill, and it is done only on three occasions throughout the year: the first day of school, the eve of graduation, and Alumni Day. In this case, the bell tolled in memory of the alumni who have passed away since our last gathering in 2019.
After sharing a solemn moment, the group gathered to celebrate togetherness and their memories of Oak Hill during a picnic lunch at the pavilion of Lake Samuella. It was also a chance to play games and win prizes. Alumni enjoyed competing for who had traveled the greatest distance (California), who had graduated the most recently (2020), and who had graduated longest ago (class of 1963). There was also a prize for which alumnus had not returned to campus for the longest amount of time—30 years!
Class photos followed, and we were thrilled to honor members of the class of 1972, who were celebrating their 50th class reunion. Not to be left out, the class of 1971 also recognized their 50th reunion this year, as we were unable to come together in 2021.
After a fun-filled afternoon, everyone gathered for a hotdog roast and campfire up by the girls’ track. Alumni Day 2022 was a wonderful opportunity to witness the enduring spirit of Oak Hill Academy through the years. While many things change at Oak Hill over time—from technology to the topography of our beautiful campus—our life-affecting mission remains steadfast. And few things bring more joy to The Hill than reconnecting with the diverse and special alumni that have passed through our doors.
