Divided but hopeful, grateful but critical, a large place, a beautiful place, capitalist, diverse, home. Theses are only a few of the nuanced, complex ways Upper School students describe their American experience in this moment. 

In a post-election advisory program, students listened to Katherine Lee Bates's famous "America the Beautiful." Then, they listened to a recitation of "America the Beautiful Again" by its author, poet Richard Blanco. They considered the following questions: 

• What do you think about this poem?
• What are the most significant ideas in the poem?
• What could a different perspective be on how beautiful America is?
• What does Blanco mean when he wishes he could sing again in harmony, “beautiful or not” ?

After meaningful contemplation, students took inspiration from a sticky note movement in Union Square following the 2016 election. Artist Matthew Chavez provided a forum for passers-by to post their thoughts, feelings, and wishes, and our students were given a similar task: On a post-it note, write a word or phrase that signifies America to you. 

Their responses, which reflect the many perspectives of the American experience, were posted on the large glass windows of the Main Office in Walter Hall.