![Opening Day Assembly, 2024-2025]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1724343165/jburroughsorg/dqcqp8ani0pf5gbk8gzw/240822_FirstDay_0069.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1724343165/jburroughsorg/dqcqp8ani0pf5gbk8gzw/240822_FirstDay_0069.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1724343165/jburroughsorg/dqcqp8ani0pf5gbk8gzw/240822_FirstDay_0069.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1724343165/jburroughsorg/dqcqp8ani0pf5gbk8gzw/240822_FirstDay_0069.jpg","width":828}])
Welcome to Burroughs' 102nd school year!
During Opening Day Assembly on Thursday, August 22, seniors continued the tradition on sitting on the Haertter Hall stage facing their families, faculty/staff, and fellow students while listening to remarks from Head of School Andy Abbott, senior class president Hanna Scheessele '25, and student body president Charlie Desai '25. The full remarks of both student speeches are posted below.
Assembly opened with a cello performance of the national anthem by brothers Thomas '25 and Craig Urano '25. Mr. Abbott then addressed the crowd, sharing a message about the importance of "growing home."
"As we start the year together, I ask all of us here — students, parents, teachers, staff, and coaches — to commit to working together to grow this home. A home where we all are safe and supported and guided and understood. A home where we all hold one another accountable, a home where we can let our guard down and vent to one another, a home where we can make mistakes and grow from them. A home where people want the best for you, and where you want the best for them, and you are committed to them."
— Andy Abbott, Head of School
Assembly closed with a performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" by Jocelyn Ryan '25 and Shiloh Rhodes '25.
Hanna Scheessele '25, Senior Class President
Good morning, faculty, staff, students, parents, Mr. Abbott, and especially, the Class of 2025. My name is Hanna Scheessele, and I am truly grateful to be able to stand in front of you and speak to you today. I personally can't believe that we are up here on this stage right now. When I attended my first Opening Day assembly as a 9th grader and saw the seniors up here, it seemed my turn to take the stage would be eons away. I was much more focused on getting my bearings straight than worrying about being a senior, but look where we are now.
Honestly, I had no clue what I was getting myself into on my first day. All I knew about my class was that there was a student who wore a fedora to school every single day, no matter the occasion, and that during a heated game of basketball, there was one kid who punched another kid in the face, but the second kid's head ended up breaking the first kid's hand instead. I'd also heard many Zoom stories, including guitar serenades in class, "Among Us" break-out rooms, and a student expressing strong distaste about a book being discussed, not realizing that they were unmuted. Hearing these things really made me wonder what I had in store for the next four years.
While still deciding what my thoughts were on this school and these people, I was in assembly during my first week when I heard Mr. Abbott say not to leave any part of yourself at the door. This small statement meant very little at the moment and even became a joke for some of my classmates. If someone didn't say the brightest thing in class, a little remark like "Wow, you definitely left no part of yourself at the door" would be made. I've never really thought about the true meaning behind this until recently. What does it mean to leave no part of yourself at the door? We all show up to school every day, but what does it mean to truly show up as yourself? Anyone can walk in the doors and move from class to class until the day ends, following the same schedule and routine, then return home.
To be honest, I've done that for most of my Burroughs career, but it's because of my classmates that I've been able to observe what it means to bring your whole self. Ayomide left no part of herself when she organized the Young Women's Leadership Conference, Sarah left no part of herself when she became the Metro League Field Hockey Player of the Year as a junior, Owen brought his whole self when he stood on this stage and sang "In the Kitchen" by Renee Rapp for the school, Meg showed up as her full and authentic self when she did a sound-off on gun control, and Charlie and Sean left no parts of themselves when they broke records for their respective sports, cross country and swimming.
The Class of 2025 is incredible, with some of the most intelligent, kindest, creative, ambitious, and athletic people that I know. The number of students already committed to playing their sport at the next level and the number of state championships under our belts is remarkable. It is so remarkable that some could assume that our tug-of-war team is stacked for Field Day. Well... Our tug-of-war skills are definitely something we have left at the door. We have never won. And I'm not talking about the whole thing. We have never beaten another grade. So juniors, I don't know what you're planning to give us for a graduation gift, but letting us win would make a pretty nice one.
Despite this heartbreak we experience, we show up year after year with the same optimism and drive to win. While we may not get the victory and may be made fun of by the underclassmen, we show up as our true, competitive, compassionate, quirky, intelligent, and resilient selves. So, Burroughs, how are you going to show up as your true self this year? Are you going to follow the monotonous schedule that is school, or are you going to take in everything that Burroughs and the people around you have to offer? Trust me, I know that this task can be hard. Middle school and high school aren't always fun. Some days are terrible, horrible, no good, and very bad. Let's face it–some days just suck. People can judge and people can be mean, but don't let the opinions and expectations of others force you to hide the incredible person that you are. Rather, embrace who you are and bring your full self for this school and everyone else to see.
I remember my sophomore year I had recently found a new hobby–crocheting. I wasn't the best at it, but I loved it. I loved it so much that I wanted to share it with the school. So, one day, I went to Ms. Pass, the librarian, and asked if she would be open to starting this club with me. Lo and behold, another student wanted to create the same thing. Now, creating the club wasn't all that needed to be done. Our club needed a name. We wracked our brains and finally found the perfect name (with some help from Chat GPT), and The Yarnivores were born. You get it?? Like carnivores, but with yarn because we consume yarn. Super cool. I know. While this club with a name that I loved was a passion of mine, I was scared to bring this dream to fruition as it's hard doing something new. It's hard to take a chance and take a risk. Bringing forth your own ideas can be intimidating for anyone — it can feel really scary. What if no one likes my idea? What if no one signs up for my club? What if I get laughed at? While Burroughs is welcoming of all people and the gifts that they bring, it's still difficult to do. I am so glad that I was able to bring my true self to this amazing community and create a Burroughs that I not only wanted to have for myself but also for others to stay true to themselves and share their talents. So be brave, as Señor Tasker says, and start that club, do stand up at Commons Cafe, try out for the soccer team, speak up in class, audition for the musical, run for class office, and join band. There is so much out there for you to embrace. But here's the secret: you have to be willing to be vulnerable–to leave no part of yourself at the door–to experience all these amazing opportunities that lie in front of you.
While parts of this journey called adolescence can be lousy, it can also be incredible. I have created some of the most meaningful relationships of my life with the people at this school, and I have created some of my fondest memories. It is the people on this stage that have made my Burroughs experience so memorable. These people have inspired me, pushed me, and sometimes irritated me, but without them, my story would be completely different, and I might not be up here speaking to you right now. I only ran to be senior class president because my friends encouraged me. They saw something in me that I didn't yet see in myself. And this kind of support — the support that pushes us to take on and tackle hard things — is something our class has offered one another over the years. It is these people, my classmates, who have left their mark on this school with their incredible leadership, record-breaking athletic triumphs, bravery to stand up for their beliefs and values, Einstein-level intelligence in and out of the classroom, humor that is unmatched, and kindness to each other.
Despite all of the accomplishments that we have made as a class, there is still so much more for us to do, as we still have marks to make, just like every single student here. We can still add more sports to the state championship banners and fill up the trophy case. We can bring forward new clubs, the title and subject of which I have no clue, but I believe in what some might call the creativity and innovation of this class. And together, we can face adversity head-on and finally triumph in a Field Day game of tug-of-war. Who can stop us when we come together? When every single one of us brings forward our true, unfiltered selves without fear of others' opinions, no force can halt us. It is when we bring every ounce of ourselves through the door, leaving no part, that true magic happens. We, the 100th graduating class, are still working on this aspiration, as this is no easy task, but it is a task that I think we can all do together, within and across grades and as a school. While each idea that you bring will be as unique as you are, we have models of this all around if you look for it. Think about the smiles and laughter that your classmates bring when helping SPENSA athletes have a chance to just be kids. Think about the conversations and connections The World staff creates as they write their ideas for everyone else to read. Think about the passionate and touching production your friends put together when they join forces to create the Dance Show.
This radical idea of not leaving any part of ourselves at the door is something I challenge all of us with, and it's really important to note that it doesn't just mean opening up yourself and being vulnerable. Because if we want Burroughs to be the strongest community it can be, we also have to give others the space to be themselves and contribute their gifts. So, I leave you with just two questions: How are you going to leave no part of yourself at the door this year? And what amazing things will only be possible when you show up as your true self? Thank you.
Charlie Desai '25, Student Body President
Welcome students, parents and other guests, faculty and administrators to the 2024-2025 school year at John Burroughs School! As Mr. Abbott mentioned, my name is Charlie Desai. I am grateful to be speaking to you today, and so proud of the work and efforts the seniors have put in to be up here on stage. Our Burroughs experience featured many memorable events, including extremely competitive C girls basketball games (where Stephen was such a loud fan that the refs kicked him out), Ryan's hotdog eating contests during football halftimes that made our entire student section a little queasy, the anticipated release of Dhruva's newest rap album, and of course, the occasional sensitivity training class. To begin the year, I want to extend some thank yous.
First, to Mr. Abbott. This is Mr. Abbott's 24th year at Burroughs and his 16th year as head of school. Quick story: I actually first met Mr. Abbott when I was 4 years old — he would go for walks down Ladue Road and stop at my lemonade stand in front of our house. I remember him talking to us … but I don't remember him ever buying anything! While he may not have been a great customer, thanks to Mr Abbott's efforts, Burroughs is one of the best independent schools in the country.
To the parents and friends of our seniors sitting in the audience: You don't get to come to many of these assemblies — we sit through them every day — but because you're here now, I want to take this opportunity to speak directly to you. And what I have to say to you is this: You have made this all possible! You invested your time, energy, money, and so much more into our education. Your support didn't even begin with JBS; it started years ago. You helped us learn to recite the alphabet and then to read, helped us learn our numbers, cheered us on during T-ball and soccer games, and came to our elementary school plays and dance recitals. I guarantee that without all of you and your sacrifices, we never would have had the chance to attend a school like Burroughs. So, on behalf of all the seniors, thank you, parents and friends!
To the faculty and staff: you are the reason Burroughs is what it is. Our janitorial crew keeps this place spotless every day, even though we tend to be pretty messy. Our teachers hold us to a high standard that allows us to excel inside the classroom and are always ready to make time to meet with us. Our coaches push us on the field to not only be highly competitive athletes, but also good sports and citizens. Our kitchen staff feeds us chicken noodle soup, and plant ops is ALWAYS ready to helpunlock a door for us at odd hours with some of the biggest smiles on campus. Thank you for being a part of our Burroughs family; we wouldn't have made it past 7th grade without you!
Now, for the rest of you. Look at all of you ... I'm sure this is the best dressed you will be for the rest of the year! But that's okay — our freedom to wear sweatpants, hats and tank tops is just one of many reasons we are a whole lot better than a certain school a few miles that way! Actually, we are so lucky to have much more freedom at our school than many other middle and high school students in this country. We wear comfortable clothes and confidently leave our textbooks, backpacks and technology lying about the hallways, knowing that our belongings are safe in our school. Burroughs is such a unique and special community — and we love our organized chaos here!
We all have SO much to look forward to this year! For all the 7th graders, I am envious of your position. You have six more years at JBS, and they will be awesome. You'll make new friends, join clubs like the Bird Nerds or Dance Squad, and experience the competitive pressures of Burroughs family-style lunches, where we race to get seconds before we inevitably run out of pizza and chicken tenders! The 8th graders will have their very first free periods at the end of the year. The 9th graders, including my sister, are finally high schoolers! That means you'll be going to Bio Drey Land this year. And let me tell ya, it is as challenging as people say. The senior class endured hurricane-like rains during one of our sessions — Adriana even lost half of her lab packet in a tragic slip and fall because of the downpours! The sophomores finally get to attend Blue & Gold, and some of you will also experience the awkward "half hug" after getting asked to the dance with a sign! Juniors, you are in for a challenging academic year with AP classes, standardized tests, and college counseling, but at least you get to pick where you sit for lunch! And seniors, we get to look forward to several traditions: leaving school during free periods, May Project, Senior Night for all our sports teams, and ultimately deciding what each of us will do after graduation. It's already a bittersweet feeling knowing that we only have one more year to make memories together at Burroughs.
Don't misunderstand me, though. This place is not perfect. We all have different opinions about this school because we all have had individual experiences here, some great, some just okay, and some challenging. However, what we all continue to have is the power to create positive changes here.
My goal for this year is simple, but will hopefully create an immediate impact. It has become a tradition for the student body president to declare each year the "Year of BLANK" during this assembly. It can seem a little cheesy, but I will buckle to tradition and declare this year the "Year of Kindness." Kindness and goodwill are the foundations of everything we stand for here at Burroughs. It means that we can do well in our classes and win our games, but not by tearing down the other people we're competing against. But being kind is not always effortless: in a school where we all strive for personal excellence, it is easy to focus on yourself and ignore the impact you have on others. However, every interaction we have at school affects our student body as a whole.
My decision to center this year around kindness was influenced by many factors, one of which was a 2024 New Year resolution from two of my friends. After winter break, they decided to make it their goal to give a different person in our community a genuine compliment each day. They started giving out the compliments right before lunch, so they would tell us about the people they complimented as we ate together. I thought their actions were brilliant: They felt good about making other people happy, and they managed to inspire many of us at lunch to also create a positive impact on someone.
So, this year, I hope that all of us will be more intentional about how we treat others. Not just our friends, but every single person that comprises this community. We should think about how our words and actions will genuinely affect other people, and choose to act in a way that will brighten their days.
But leaving a positive impact by exercising kindness does not mean that we have to agree with everything our classmates say. Burroughs encourages us to think independently, but sometimes that leads to disagreements, and those disagreements can transform into something mean. It does not have to be that way. We don't need to emulate the actions of people outside this community, some of whom seem to struggle to have discussions about differences without throwing in personal attacks. We, as a community, should aspire to disagree graciously. We want people outside and inside of this school to recognize that students at JBS are not only smart, athletic, artistic, creative, and responsible, but also extremely kind to one another. Kindness is what allows us to do all of our favorite things at Burroughs. Its presence creates a space where we are able to take risks with each other in the classroom, joke and laugh together in the Commons, and win gracefully as a team on the sports fields.
At Burroughs, there are so many people encouraging us to become passionate learners. We have teachers who challenge us academically and parents who care deeply about our success. However, the most important thing we learn during our education is how to be an ethical citizen. The only person who can truly hold you accountable for your impact on others is yourself. You alone get to decide what kind of effect you'll have on this community. Being kind is an achievable goal. If we can agree to come together and remind ourselves to be patient, gracious, and always kindhearted, our year will be better than ever! I have so much faith in this community. I am so lucky that I was given an opportunity to learn alongside all of you, but especially with my Class of 2025. Even though Hannah was right, and we all do stink at tug-of-war, each of you is what makes me so grateful to be in this place, and I wouldn't change any part of our journey together.
Thank you for listening, and I can't wait to see what we accomplish this year with the intentional presence of kindness in our community!
