Bulldog News

Trip offers lessons in teamwork

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Tired but triumphant, Hillside School’s ninth grade class enjoyed their participation in what is fast becoming an annual fall tradition: the Senior Overnight Trip.

Joined by several members of the Hillside faculty, the seniors traveled north on September 24 for a group hike to the summit of Cannon Mountain, elevation 4,100 feet, in New Hampshire’s White Mountains.

The group climbed the mountain on the afternoon of September 24 and, afterwards, stayed overnight at the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Lonesome Lake Hut.

In addition to enjoying the great outdoors during a beautiful time of year, the Senior Overnight is an opportunity for the ninth graders to bond in the final year at Hillside.

“The students learn to work together, helping and encouraging each other, in order to reach the mountain’s peak,” explained Hillside School Dean of Student Life Dan Marchetti about this event which took place for the second year in a row. Marchetti also served as the faculty leader for the trip.

He continued: “In many ways, the mountain is a metaphor for the journey these students will take this year. By demonstrating leadership and functioning as a team, they set the tone as student leaders. They soon discover that, while it’s not always an easy task, it is well worth the effort.”

Along with Marchetti, Hillside faculty Hollis Brooks and Toby Walch, both of whom have outdoor leadership experience, served as adult guides for the trip.

While teamwork was evident throughout the excursion, it was perhaps most apparent when the group reached a climbing ladder positioned against a particularly steep portion of the mountain.

“They were a little nervous but did a great job of helping one another on the ladder,” recounted Marchetti.

Several of the students echoed Marchetti’s sentiments. “It was fun, especially being out in the woods with my friends,” said Ben O’Neill ’10. “At the top, there was an awesome view of the lake. It was really cool.”

Added Jonah Spector ’10: “It was great and really scenic. The view at the summit was fantastic.”

Perhaps the experience was best summed up by Brady Caulfield ’10. “It was fun and challenging,” he said. “And we all had a great time.”

Group leader Dan Marchetti (right) helps Adolph Kawuba '10 up the Cannon Mountain ladder. Matt Steward '10 is in the background.

Members of the Class of 2010 at the Cannon Mountain summit.