On September 15, Rye Country Day School marked the start of its 158th year with Opening Ceremonies on the Admissions Lawn. This annual tradition invites all students and faculty to gather to celebrate the potential of a new academic year through reflection,  inspiration, and community.

To start the ceremonies, Interim Head of School Dr. Stacey Sotirhos continued the tradition of introducing the newest members of the RCDS community, the Pre-Kindergarten class, to the student body. As the Class of 2040 entered with their teachers, students and faculty cheered enthusiastically in recognition of the beginning of their RCDS journeys. 

Dr. Sotirhos then introduced the senior class, who processed onto the Admissions lawn to the soundtrack of spirited and proud applause from their schoolmates and teachers.  It was a moving recognition of the seniors’ year at RCDS and their leadership within the student body. 

Following the entrance of the Class of 2027, the WildScats, led by Music Department Chair Mary Marcell, sang a beautiful arrangement of the National Anthem to continue the festivities. 

Dr. Sotirhos delivered remarks about the 2026-27 school-wide theme of COMPASSION. “Each of us enters the year carrying our own mixture of excitement, hope and perhaps butterflies. Our all-school theme of matters so much. Compassion begins with noticing—it means looking beyond ourselves and paying attention to what somebody else might be feeling or experiencing. But, compassion is more than just noticing. It's choosing to act with kindness, with patience and care.”

Student Body President Hank Brown ’27 then addressed the entire student and employee community, emphasizing that small acts of inclusion and support can have a lasting impact on someone’s experience. “What made the difference for me was people who recognized I was struggling to find my footing here and took it upon themselves to include me or support me,” Hank said. “Their actions helped redirect my path at RCDS. So whether this is your first year at RCDS or your fourteenth, let's all try to remember that first week feeling, and show each other some compassion.” In a meaningful reminder of the power of student leadership, Hank’s speech and his emphasis on compassionate kindness drew cheers, laughter, and deep attention from students and faculty in all divisions. 

Following Hank’s remarks, Senior Class President, Caroline Stronski ’27 invited the Senior Class Officers to present Dr. Sorithos with the Class of 2027 banner. Standing alongside, Student Body Vice-President Chris Estill, Senior Class Vice-President John DeFlorio, and Senior Class Senators Julia Burgess and Henry Harvey, Caroline said, “On behalf of the Class of 2027, we are proud to present this class banner to Dr. Sotirhos and Rye Country Day School. This banner celebrates our class and the legacy we hope to leave behind.” 

The seniors then continued the tradition of  presenting the Pre-Kindergartners with their own flag—Class of 2040! In thirteen years, these Pre-K students will have the opportunity to present this flag to the Head of School at the School’s 171st Opening Ceremonies.

As students returned to their classrooms, soft September light blanketed the Admissions Lawn. It was a great day to be a Wildcat and an inspiring reminder of the enduring excellence and impact of the RCDS experience!