Parents’ Weekend is an annual event at Tabor Academy that is greeted with much anticipation and anxiousness. The campus itself looks its best with flowerpots on every path and perfect weather. Many parents arrived on Friday night from all over, traveling across the country or even internationally, to visit their children and learn more about the Tabor lifestyle.
Parents’ Weekend is kicked off by a cocktail party on Friday night where all the parents can mingle and get to know each other. Then, there are mini-classes on Saturday, in which parents are invited to sit in on 15-minute versions of each of their child’s classes. They meet with advisors, get a sense of what their child’s teachers are like, and can attend different lectures about college, changes in administration, and the “teenage brain.” Parents of upperclassmen can also meet with college counselors during these days.
“I loved going to her classes and seeing everyone eager to learn,” said Melissa Buell, mother of new sophomore Madison Buell. “It was my first time coming to Tabor, and it was really amazing seeing her in her new life.” Madison added, “The teachers were beyond accommodating. They let my sister sit through classes and now she wants to apply, too.”
For underclassmen, especially those whose parents live far away, Parents’ Weekend is both a great time to catch up with family they haven’t seen in a while, and also for parents to explore what life at Tabor is like for their child.
“My parents have come up every Parents’ Weekend since I arrived sophomore year,” said senior Bridget Lattimer. “I’m from Connecticut, so it’s not as far, but they still love watching me play field hockey and meeting all my teachers.” Susan Lattimer, Bridget’s mother, said, “This year, Parents’ Weekend is bittersweet. It’s the start of the countdown to an exciting graduation and the prospect of having to say goodbye.” Despite this, however, Susan noted how fun parents’ weekend is. “We were lucky to be able to cheer on Bridget’s friends at a cross country meet, then watch football, and then watch Bridget play field hockey and even catch the girls’ soccer game. It was all very exciting.”
All the sports games are home on Saturday, so the campus is teeming with visiting athletes and parents. The turf fields are packed with games and parents and fellow students watching Tabor teams compete with other schools.
“I loved seeing Madison at cross country with all her new friends,” said Buell. “I was so impressed with the dedication and passion of the coaches during the meet, and the team was incredibly supportive of each other.”
At this point in the year, most of the homesickness that new students face has dissipated, and they are just excited to show their parents around their dorms, their classes, and all other aspects of their life here at Tabor.
By Madeleine Gregory
