Leading confidently and living honorably at Harpeth Hall

Six words lie deep at the heart of what it means to be a Harpeth Hall student. They appear on buildings across campus and fly on banners lining the sidewalks.

Think critically. Lead confidently. Live honorably.

Every day in classrooms, teachers challenge students to expand their knowledge, follow their curiosity, and develop into globally-minded critical thinkers.

At the beginning of each school year, Harpeth Hall students and faculty come together to celebrate leadership and commit to honor.

“Today’s leaders must ‘trade certainty for curiosity,’” Head of School Jess Hill remarked at the 2027 Senior Recognition and Honor Assembly. “This is good news. Today’s leaders need to be more humble, flexible, and collaborative. They should be able to work well on a team and remain curious and discover solutions together.”

No one is more prepared to be confident leaders than the Class of 2027.

“The Class of 2027 has already realized the complexity of leadership — how to make sure everyone is engaged in a common goal while cultivating good fun,” Ms. Hill agreed. “They are pros at it.”

“[We are] energetic, kind, and authentically ourselves,” senior class president Georgia Orndorff said. “We put our all into everything.”

And they do it together. Whether that means coming together to stage a protest in remembrance of some removed playground equipment, putting together an amazing prom last year, or rising up to win — more accurately, tie, but the Class of 2027 will tell you that counts as a win — grade-level field days. Their genuine gratitude for Harpeth Hall, boundless energy, and their open kindness set an example for every grade below them. No matter what the cause, the Class of 2027 shows up and shows out for the school and each other.

Harpeth Hall students lead with integrity

But, it is not just their confidence that makes bold leaders, it is also their commitment to living honorably.

“What does it mean to live honorably?” Upper School Director Frances Fondren-Bales asked the audience. “It means that we live in community well, respecting one another, listening to each other well, assuming best intentions, and leading with kindness.”

Senior Elizabeth Eyler, president of the Honor Council, has been at Harpeth Hall since the 5th grade, so she has had the importance of honor instilled in her for eight years now.

“Honor encompasses many different values: respect, integrity, responsibility, and courage,” Elizabeth said. “Every activity may not require you to sign a pledge, but many still depend upon your integrity. Respecting the environment and other members of the community is not always easy and often requires taking a couple extra steps.

“This year, I hope everyone looks around and encourages each other to respect one another and yourselves and continue Harpeth Hall’s mission of living honorably whether in or outside of the classroom and on- or off-campus.”

Middle School Director Elizabeth Ecker works closely with the Middle School Honor Education Committee, a group of 8th grade leaders, to ensure that the honor code stays central to life in the school and enriches the Harpeth Hall community. As Ms. Ecker says, “Serving as the sponsor of the Honor Education Committee is one of the most important parts of my role as division director.”

Eighth grade student Juliette Selph sits on the committee under Ms. Ecker and believes that honor is the bond that ties the community together.

“What makes our school special is that we can trust each other to do the right thing, to do the honorable thing, and to be respectful to each other,” Juliette said. “Without this behavior, our school loses its freedom to have special privileges. But we are lucky — Harpeth Hall is filled with honorable girls, and that is why I believe it is a privilege to be here at this school.”

Together, the students and faculty stood to recite the honor pledge. Students also sign the pledge, which will hang around campus to remind each and every student of the important promise they made.

The Class of 2027 leads as a team

The senior class made an additional pledge this day. A pledge to transmit the school not less, but greater, better, and more beautiful than it was left to them. And the Class of 2027 is well on its way.

“As I look forward to the 276 days left of our time at Harpeth Hall, I have three wishes for us,” Georgia said.

1. “I want us to approach every obstacle and event with 200% of our energy. We have done this in the past and will continue doing so throughout our last year.
    
2. …I want us to show our gratitude for Harpeth Hall. I love hearing the flood of thank yous when girls leave class, but it doesn’t need to stop there. Without our teachers, administrators, classmates, dining staff, security team, grounds crew, and members of our community, our time here wouldn’t be the same.
    
3. …Finally, let's not hurry any part of this year. Every busy day is a gift, and there is no need to wish it away too quickly. …The gift of attending Harpeth Hall reaches far beyond education and throughout this year, we need to appreciate each of these moments.”