I attended my 20-year high school reunion a few months ago. Reputationally, reunions can be– shall we say– a mixed bag. My expectations were based on, of course, Romy and Michele (and if you know, you know). One has repeated conversations about work and kids. There is subtle one-upmanship of who is doing what. Yet, like most experiences at Park, I walked into the event and instantly knew this would be different. My classmates greeted each other with genuine warmth. Some of us had stayed in touch. Two close friends are now Park parents and coach Lower School school basketball with me. Others, I had not seen in two decades. But the whole group of us connected as if we had not skipped a beat. As I spoke with everyone, I was struck by how we were doing so many different things: a psychologist, a public interest lawyer, a small business owner, an entrepreneur, and me - an Admissions Director. With each person, there was something similar that was hard to put my finger on as I spoke with them. As I reflected on it later, however, it came to me: An openness. Openness to connection, to opportunities, to trying something new - even when hard and without guarantee of success. The stereotypical high school experience is one of cliques and labels. Are you an intellectual, an athlete, drama kid, arts type? As I think back on my high school experience at Park, I realized, one of the very memorable and impactful things was that you did not have to choose. Rather than be defined by a category or label, we were encouraged to explore all of who we are. I myself starred in plays, participated in student government, and played on the baseball team. And I was encouraged - by my classmates, teachers, and administrators - in both things that came easily to me and the things that took more effort. That openness to different activities and experiences is something I have carried with me through my life and career - and I know my classmates have, too. During that same reunion, I had the pleasure of touring the campus with some alumni celebrating their 50th reunion. As they described their experiences at Park and career paths since, I noticed the same openness. Now, I am on Park's campus daily. I have the privilege of having an office across the hall from my daughter's second grade classroom. Ready to learn more about PARK ? Contact admissions@theparkschool.org for more information or to schedule a private tour. The very structure of this class is called "academic choice," affirming the student's individual exploration and curiosity. This continues through our Middle and Upper Schools, where we encourage our students to "own" their learning and genuinely prepare for college, with increasing independence. In the words of my colleague Charles Hartney, Head of Upper School, our students “welcome opportunity” in all its forms. It is a trait that I'm sure my children - and yours - will be able to share at their future reunions. By Jarret Izzo ’03, Director of Admissions & Family Engagement Found at Park: Encouragement, Openness, and Exploration Pictured above: Jarret and daughter Ceci '34. Pictured below: Jarret (far right) and classmates on Upper School Student Government at Park in 2002. 9
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