Hundreds of prospective students and parents will visit Proctor next week. On Wednesday and Friday, they'll experience classes, attend panels and join a crowded lunch. From experience, we know that 80% of those who "revisit" will choose to attend next year. Why will such a high ratio choose Proctor? Many will say, "the programs," and--indeed--many of these kids will go on to Segovia, or Aix, or Mountain, Ocean or Costa Rica. Personally, I doubt that programs are the real reason for most. I suspect that the true distinction is the community vibe.

Within structures that most of us consider commonsensical, we enjoy very specific freedoms, enabling the exercise of responsibility. More important than the freedom to eat at Pizza Chef, or study at a location of your choice, is the freedom of expression that is best witnessed in assembly.

Years ago, when assembly was in Holland Auditorium (now the site of the Wise Center,) a simple sign above the stage read: TOGETHER. We come together not knowing what is going to happen. Spontenaity is everything. Before we start, there's business to conduct.... weekend cards to be completed.

Then, suddenly, anyone and everyone is welcome to come forward and speak, providing a community ethos that has distinguished Proctor since 1971. Here's Ethan, announcing a Student Leadership meeting.

This week's assemblies have been very cool and significant. On Tuesday, Rwandan musicians captivated the school with soulful, uninhibited song and dance, and the crowd leapt at the opportunity to join the dance on stage.

Being open, honest forums, however, means that assemblies will have moments that are challenging, or simply sad. Today, Mike brought one of Stuart Wade's enormous wrenches from the steam boiler plant, and asked us to honor Stuart with silence on the occasion of his untimely death Monday.

To a few, Stuart was a sincere, and extraordinarily talented engineer with a great sense of humor. To most, he was a quiet behind-the-scenes member of the Maintenance Department. Mike asked us to remember Stuart, and to consider all of the members of the community we should know better.

We go on, better for having been together.