At 8:00 am on September 3, the Tabor community processed into Wickenden Chapel for Tabor’s Sesquicentennial Convocation Ceremony. While Tabor always begins the year with Convocation, this year included special programming to celebrate the school’s 150th anniversary. Convocations are often held at academic institutions to welcome incoming students and officially begin the new school year. The event is often a formal celebration: Faculty don academic regalia, speakers address the school community, and traditions are honored.
While Hollybriar Bagpipes and Drums played “Scotland the Brave,” students and faculty lined up outside the Chapel to begin the Processional, marking the beginning of the event. Vince White ‘26 and Chloe Fox ‘26, Tabor’s co-heads of school, welcomed the community and introduced the four speakers – junior Gia Boyd ‘27, Marion Select Board Member Mr. John Hoagland, Chair of the Board of Trustees Ms. Regina Shakin, and faculty member Ms. Zora Turnbull Lynch. The speakers shared excerpts in chronological order that represent Tabor’s past.
Gia Boyd first shared an excerpt from Elizabeth Taber’s Will. Elizabeth Taber, the school’s founder, expressed her desire to provide the community with a respected educational institution. In her will, she conveyed hope that the school would thrive on the foundation she built.
Mr. John Hoagland read an excerpt from the Tabor Academy Twenty-fifth Anniversary Booklet (1902). The passage details Tabor’s development into a “well equipped preparatory school,” the improvement of facilities, and expansion of the elective program.
Ms. Regina Shakin shared an excerpt from the Tabor Academy Catalog. Ms. Shakin’s reading describes W. Huston Lillard’s contribution to Tabor’s nautical program, the construction of Hoyt Gymnasium and Lillard Hall, and Tabor’s unwavering commitment to education despite political turmoil in the 1940s.
Last, Ms. Turnbull Lynch, and one of Tabor’s longest-serving faculty members, read the final excerpt. She is also the daughter of Jeannette Zora ‘38, and parent of two alums: Colin and Zach. Ms. Lynch read a portion of Classical Revival by long-time faculty member G. Bruce Cobbold, which was published in Tabor Today in 1982. The excerpt contemplates changing student culture and suggests that the goal of education should be to produce well-rounded students. Together, the speakers presented a representation of Tabor’s history.
The Madrigals led the community in singing the Alma Mater, which was followed by remarks from Head of School, Mr. Jaccaci. Mrs. Helene Sughrue of the English Department concluded the Convocation with the Benediction. In the spirit of preserving the past, Mrs. Sughrue read “Blessing the Boats” by Lucille Clifton, which was read at last year’s Baccalaureate. Upon conclusion of the ceremony, faculty members lined the walkway between Wickenden Chapel and the Labyrinth, cheering on students through the recessional. Students were surprised with a sweet treat in the Labyrinth before departing for class. This year’s Convocation engaged the community in reflection by highlighting moments that makes Tabor the school that it is today. The ceremony was an excellent way to unite the Tabor community before starting the school year off strong.