Philip Mulford has been named a National Merit Scholarship Corporation semi-finalist and will now compete for one of the organization's Merit Scholarship awards that will be announced next Spring. Mulford is the fifth NMSC semi-finalist from Highland since 2011.

Highland recently opened the new school year with their traditional Convocation. The event, which gathers PK-Grade 12 students, faculty, staff, Trustees and parents, is meant to look for meaning in a new school year. "We bring almost everyone together so we can see the school as a whole, not just the portion of it we experience each day," said Head of School Hank Berg. "We are reminded that we are part of a larger community, which is especially relevant when our character theme this year is citizenship." Chairman of the Board Tim Dunn was also on hand to welcome the community to the New Year.

For the first time in many years, the Distinguished Service Award was presented to Jodi Johnson. The award is not presented every year, but only to the most extraordinary people whose contributions to the school are truly exemplary. Receiving the award this year was Highland parent Jodi Johnson, whose generosity has taken innumerable forms including in her service and consistent leadership. "I use the word citizenship very deliberately when raising my children – defining what makes a good and respectful citizen in our home, our family, and our community," said Mrs. Johnson. "If the ways I've participated here at Highland over the years have made me a good citizen of the Highland community, then I am so pleased and honored to accept this recognition on behalf on my family – all of whom respect Highland and what it stands for, and any contributions I may have made have been with their full support."

Senior Philip von Feilitzsch addressed the crowd, welcoming everyone to the start of the school year. "Allow me to describe to you this school, as I see it," said Philip. "To me Highland is like a sandbox. It's a place to play, to have fun, to build things, to learn, a place to make mistakes and then be able to smooth them out with a rake and start over.

"There are also a lot of toys in the sandbox, things to help you build whatever you want; those opportunities such as clubs, internships, independent studies, and even community service which allow you to discover yourself; find out what you like and what you don't like.

"Highland is a place that allows you and greatly encourages you to find your passion and pursue it."

Concluding the event was the recessional of seniors with their PK and Kindergarten buddies, a Highland tradition for nearly a decade. "We believe you are responsible for the quality of the community in which you live, work and learn," Head of School Hank Berg reminded the audience.

"Great communities do not happen by accident, they happen because the citizens give more than they take. People put in time, energy and personal resources to improve the quality of their community. This is one of the most important things you will learn at Highland."

Green Eyes Exhibit

The Gallery at Highland School will host an exhibit to celebrate the art and vision of student Elizabeth Finley Broaddus ('14) who succumbed to a rare form of liver cancer in June.

A Highland student since 4th grade, Finley is remembered for her exuberance, passion, and kindness, in addition to her myriad accomplishments. Among other things, she played varsity tennis, acted in drama productions and pursued a rigorous course of study, including AP Art. As a junior, she won the 5th Congressional District Art Contest with her colored pencil drawing "Church Steeple," based on a church near Vint Hill in Fauquier County. Finley was accepted early decision to The College of William & Mary in the fall of her senior year and planned to study Environmental Policy. When asked to describe herself in her college essay, she wrote, "within about 10 minutes of meeting me people register two things: 1. I have green eyes, and 2. my greatest ambition is to protect the environment."

Finley realized that ambition, even as she battled incurable cancer, inspiring thousands with her courage and determination. By Earth Day, Finley had raised more than $100,000 for her "Green Leap Forward" fund, established to support local and global efforts that have a positive impact on the environment, moving us forward towards a healthy, sustainable planet. She awarded the first two grants of $5,000 each to the Green Belt Movement in Nairobi, Kenya (where Highland's sister school is located), and the Cacapon Institute in High View, WV.

"My green eyes," wrote Finley, "…remind me of who I am and what I want to accomplish." Looking through her eyes, we hope to help move her vision forward.

A Gallery Reception for the exhibit will be held Sunday, Sept. 28 from 4-6 p.m. in the Gallery at Highland School. Visitors to the exhibit are welcome to purchase copies of selected pieces that the family has had professionally printed. 100% of the proceeds will benefit Finley's "Green Leap Forward" fund. The exhibit will run through the month of October and will be open during school hours.