This year’s Grandparents’ Day brought an upbeat and joyful energy to Williston’s Campus.

On Friday, April 4, campus was filled with students’ grandparents who came from all over the world to enjoy this special day and experience life through their grandkids’ eyes.

Historically, Grandparents’ Day has been considered one of the happiest days on campus. Every year Williston hosts this special day for grandparents to attend classes, take photos, watch sports and practices—all while spending time with their Williston grandchildren.

Junior Mina Sugiyama likes the cheerful and carefree vibe that grandparents bring to campus, and how nice they are to the Williston community.

“I think it’s so entertaining and wholesome when I get to see my friend’s grandparents,” she said. “I feel like I get to know more about them. I love the grandparents’ personalities. They are all so sweet.”

Russell Gaudreau [the author’s grandmother], likes observing Williston’s day-to-day routine and is impressed by the community.

“I enjoy the school and the atmosphere, it’s a great environment,” he said. “My favorite part is being able to see my granddaughter in an engaging and healthy community that wants to help her learn and succeed.”

The grandparents’ day started off in the dining hall, where they listened to a performance by Honors Chambers Singers and a received a welcome from Head of School Robert Hill. Grandparents were also given the chance to ask questions and observe a student-led panel about what it is like to attend Williston. Then they headed off to class with their grandchildren and actively participated in their lessons.

Elle Ash, a junior boarding student, enjoys seeing grandparents interact with students, and appreciates the similarities between the students and their grandparents.

“I like seeing all the grandparents spend time with their grandkids,” she said. “It’s also fun to match grandparents to their grandkids based off how they look and act.”

Joe Burke, a grandparent who attended Grandparents’ Day, admires the engaging teaching styles he observed during his time on campus.

“I have always been very impressed by the interactions between the student and the faculty and how the classes are very interactive instead of just sitting and listening to the teachers talk,” he said.

The earliest signs that Grandparents’ Day is coming is when students see golf carts around campus. These golf carts are for helping grandparents get to different buildings and dorms more efficiently. There is also a lounge area outside of Reed with refreshments provided for grandparents.

Durgin Shields, a senior day student from Deerfield, MA., brought his grandmother and great aunt, and appreciated the quality time he got to spend with them.

“I always enjoy showing my grandma where I spend every day,” he said. “It’s less about the classes I have and more about spending time with the special people and introducing them to my school.”

During a free period or during lunch, students had the option to take their grandparents to the Grubbs Gallery in Reed to get photos and family portraits to capture this special day. Birch Dining Commons offered a lunch in Reed as well. It is also popular for students to bring their grandparents to Tandem

Senior Chase Livingston brought his grandparents this year, and appreciates that Williston gave them the opportunity to experience what it is like to be a student.

Betty Gaudreau, a grandparent, is moved by Williston’s accepting atmosphere towards one another and how inclusive the campus is.

“I think it’s special because I get to see how Williston treats every student as an independent individual and how they support them no matter who they are,” she said. “Everyone respects each other for who they are.”