Convocation

Suffield Academy’s 2026-2027 academic year officially began with Convocation on September 8 in Tisch Field House. Head of School Charlie Cahn welcomed Suffield’s 142 new students from across America and 21 other countries along with seven new faculty members. He also recognized Suffield’s most senior faculty members who have been part of the community for more than thirty years—Mrs. Cahn ’88, Mr. Goodwin, Mrs. Vianney, and Mr. Patterson.

Student council president Cecilia Hellandsvik ’27 reflected on arriving at Suffield one year ago as a new junior from Norway and how a simple decision to attend a student council meeting ultimately led her to become the school president. She encouraged students to embrace opportunities, take initiative, and “show up before you’re invited,” reminding them that even small choices can shape their experience in unexpected ways. Whether through leadership, school spirit, kindness, or helping someone feel that they belong, Cecilia emphasized that meaningful contributions do not always need to be noticed.

Dean of Academics and Faculty Sara Yeager welcomed the new year with a message inspired by former faculty member Beth Krasemann, who began each class by asking four questions: Why are we here? What is awesome? What is the question of the day? What is the advice of the day? Ms. Yeager used those questions to encourage students to appreciate the opportunities around them, believe in themselves, approach each day with gratitude and purpose, and challenge themselves throughout the year. She concluded, “So jump in with both feet—this opportunity deserves your full attention and engagement. It is time to live our motto: To Be, Rather Than to Seem.”

To conclude Convocation, Mr. Cahn reflected on all that Suffield has in place for students to thrive: exceptional spaces for learning, athletics, the arts, and residential life; talented and dedicated teachers; and remarkable peers who care deeply about the school. He reminded students that these opportunities are ultimately defined by how they use them and how they treat one another. “Our values become meaningful through the choices we make each day. Kindness can be as simple as noticing someone who is new or sitting with someone you do not yet know. Respect means listening to others and treating every member of this community as someone who matters. Leadership does not require a title; it means doing what is right and helping others do the same. And effort means remaining engaged—especially when the work is difficult or the outcome is uncertain.”

Convocation provided an inspiring start to the academic year before students headed to their first classes of the fall term. Underclass Prize Day will take place as the chapel program on Monday, September 14.

Watch Convocation 2026