The genesis of this school is traced to a sewing circle in the front parlor of Mrs. Samuel Butterfield's home in the spring of 1848. When the conversation turned to the condition of educational options in the greater Andover area, momentum grew for the academy that eventually became Proctor in 1881. Originally intended to meet the needs of local boys and girls, the school immediately enrolled boarders, and eventually became known as a residential school with a small day population. In recent decades the population of day students has doubled to 72. They commute from all over, and contribute mightily to the academic, athletic and social strengths of the community. Last night, the Proctor Academy Parent Association (PAPA) sponored the annual picnic for the families of day students.

A highly successful service organization for all parents, PAPA draws great strength and leadership from day parents. For example, they organize all of the volunteer work for greeting new registrants next week, Family Weekends, hospitality carts for on-campus events, homestays for international students, and fundraising for student activities and Proctor Day Care (thereby boosting our relationship with other local citizens). Below, in-coming students from New London stick together during remarks:

At last night's dinner under the tent administrators and students addressed issues particular to day student life: car-pooling and parking...on-campus evening study...weekend policies. Junior Chloe Rochon points the way: