HIGHLAND

In the Spotlight
Originally Launched in 2004, Seniors
and Kindergarten Buddies Have Become
a Beloved Highland School Tradition
“Getting these kids together… and keeping them connected all year long is incredibly
beneficial to both groups,” says Head of School Hank Berg.
As traditions go, this one is relatively new. But it’s very
powerful. It’s the PK/Kindergarten and Senior Buddy
pairings which started ten years ago.
“It’s our way of connecting the whole school,” said Head
of School Hank Berg. “Getting these kids together at the
beginning of each school year, and keeping them connected
all year long, is incredibly beneficial to both age groups.”
Students are paired for the first time prior to Convocation
each year. They eat lunch together, attend all school gatherings,
do holiday craft activities, and the seniors attend the class plays
of their younger buddies.
“We hope to continue to add meeting times,” said Lower
School Director Lise Hicklin, “to give our youngest and
oldest students the chance to get together more during
the school year.”
This year the athletic department will get in the mix and
offer a “buddy game” to provide a chance for the little ones
to attend a varsity home game and be recognized by their
senior buddy. “It’s a great way to get our youngest Hawks
involved in athletics, and provides a personal cheering
section for our athletes,” said Athletic Director Gary Leake.
Kitson Marr ‘06 Reflects on Her Kindergarten Buddy
“Highland is a special place for many reasons, but one of
the most important aspects is its sense of community,” said
Kitson Marr ‘06, a Highland “Lifer” and Senior Buddy to
Blake Bogin ‘18. “The Senior/Kindergarten buddy tradition
was special as it brought together opposite ends of the
Highland community – those nearing the end of their
time at Highland, and those who were just beginning
their own journey.”
winning our lacrosse game, of course! Blake and I spent
time reading, doing arts and crafts, and getting to know
each other. One of my favorite memories was making
a reindeer ornament with popsicle sticks, glitter, a red
pompom and lots of glue – the same ornament I made
when I was in Kindergarten.”
“After all these years, I still hang my reindeer ornament
on the Christmas tree. I hope Blake’s ornament has become
a holiday tradition for her as well!“
Blake Bogin ‘18 Remembers Her Time with Kitson
“The Senior/Kindergarten buddy program is one I will
always remember. Meeting Kitson and getting to spend
time with her at school was so important to me, reflected
Blake Bogin ‘18, who is now a Highland freshman. “She was
a role model and someone I could look up to. She was a
Highland lifer, and now, I plan to be as well.“
“I look forward to having my own Kindergarten buddy
and providing her the same leadership and friendship that
I enjoyed with Kitson so many years ago,” Blake continued.
“It is such a great opportunity to gather both ends of
the Highland community and share stories about those
experiences. I hope it stays a tradition here for many more
years to come.”
“And I too, after all these years, have my reindeer ornament.
When I see it during the holidays I remember all the fun we
had putting it together in the old Chilton building!”
“As a lifer at Highland, the Senior/Kindergarten buddy
tradition was extra special to me,” Kitson continued.
“Visiting my old classroom to meet with my Kindergarten
buddy, Blake, was a highlight of the week – that and
Fall 2014 Highland Magazine 33