April 12, 2024
New banners commemorate Abbot Academy
Community celebrates school and historic campusby Allyson Irish
As part of a yearlong celebration marking the 50th anniversary of Abbot Academy and Phillips Academy merging to become a singular institution, new permanent banners that more clearly identify Abbot’s historic School Street campus were recently unveiled.
“These banners are a wonderful visual way to honor the enduring legacy of Abbot Academy,” said Andover Head of School Raynard S. Kington, MD, PhD, P’24, ’27. “They truly capture our theme of ‘Then, Now, Next,’ through which the school has been celebrating the milestone anniversary this past academic year.”
The banners are now installed around Abbot’s Sacred Circle.
Featuring a graphic of the historic arched Merrill Gate—the primary entrance to the Abbot campus—the double-sided banners will adorn the six light posts on the walkway around the Sacred Circle that connects Abbot, McKeen, and Draper halls.
On Sunday, May 5, the community will continue to celebrate Abbot’s legacy with a special Abbot Bazaar. Included will be an alumnae panel presentation, food, games, student performances, and an official dedication of the banners.
Abbot Academy, which opened in 1829, was one of the first private schools in New England founded for girls. During its 144-year history, Abbot was known for its superb music program, which included Fidelio, a talented a cappella group that is still thriving today as the oldest musical organization at Phillips Academy. Abbot was also known for innovative teaching and excellence in dance, theatre, and world languages.
The school operated independently from Phillips Academy until the two institutions merged in 1973, at which time the Abbot Academy Fund (AAF) was created. Seeking to preserve Abbot’s history and traditions, the AAF has awarded more than 1,600 grants totaling $15 million for projects such as the creation of an outdoor basketball court; curriculum research and development on study skills, ethics, and Latin American Studies; student workshops on gender-based violence; and a peer mediation program.
To learn more Abbot Academy and the many programs, stories, and projects highlighted during this celebratory year, visit andover.edu/thennownext.
Categories: Campus Life
Other Stories
Before becoming a lifelong environmental rights advocate, Jerry Secundy ’59 helped desegregate Harvard