Stories of Friendship and Kindness Shared at Second Chapel

The Derby community virtually gathered for Second Chapel on Friday, February 12 to hear reflections about friendship and kindness from faculty and students.

Interim Head of School Tom Reid opened the event by greeting the virtual audience from Larson Hall and sharing a short retelling of the Greek legend “Damon and Pythias,” a story about friendship. 

Student speakers from different grade levels then began to answer the question “what friendship and kindness means to me,” by sharing the importance of supporting, appreciating, and understanding one another. 

Head of the Primary and Lower School Mary Beth Murphy then shared a story of how Grade 1 student Sean displayed an act of kindness by gifting her a basket to carry her lunch—after he saw her juggle her meal walking out of the cafeteria. “Every time I carry that basket, I’m carrying Sean’s kindness with me and it really makes my heart smile, ” she said.  

Head of the Middle and Upper School Kate Howell then went on to share a story of friendship she formed this year with Grade 3 student Barrett. 

School Counselor Julie Browne then discussed acts of kindness seen throughout campus, featuring Grade 3 student Olivia’s creation of a “10 Random Acts of Kindness” poster that she hopes to post around campus and Pre-K students “Kindness Jars” that were filled with love from their classmates. 

The program continued with Grade 8 student and Edward R. Foley Citizenship Prize recipient Penelope, reflecting on her initiative of the year, Autism Speaks, followed by a presentation from STEAM teacher Siyi Ye about the Lunar New Year. 

Concluding the event was a special birthday surprise for Interim Head of School Tom Reid, with Grade 8 students presenting him with balloons and cake.