"Together, Let's Have an Awesome Year" Indian Creek Welcomes the 2026–27 School Year with Annual Convocation Ceremony

On Thursday, September 3, more than 700 ICS students, faculty, and staff gathered to officially open the 2026–27 school year with the annual Convocation Ceremony. Head of School Booth Kyle welcomed the community and led a round of applause for the 132 new students and 6 new faculty and staff members who joined the Creek community this year. 

After sharing some fun facts about the wide variety of backgrounds and interests represented by these new members of the community, Mr. Kyle reflected on how meaningful relationships and experiences can shape our lives, inspire purpose, and reveal the lasting impact we can have on others, our school, and the world. He concluded his remarks with a message of encouragement: "It is now official, with all of us here together, that the school year has begun. Let’s make it a great year." 

The ceremony continued with an Upper School solo choir performance of the National Anthem, followed by a cheerful musical selection directed by Jill Woodward, Director of Performing Arts. 

Eighth grade students Jeremiah, Travis, Lucy, and Caroline shared what it means to be an Eagle, highlighting the importance of showing kindness, choosing courage, helping others, and learning from one another. They reflected on how each person can contribute to making our school community stronger and better. Caroline ’31 shared, “Being an Eagle means making our community better. It’s not just about what we achieve. It’s about what we contribute. It means knowing that what we do together makes our school stronger.”
 

Upper School Student Government Association President Chloe Cato ’27 then began her speech about the importance of showing kindness to one another, reflecting on her own personal experience of choosing a small act of kindness. She reminded the community that people will not remember your favorite outfit or your biggest test score, but they will remember how you treated them. She closed with an important reminder: “Whether you are in kindergarten or a senior like me, every single one of us has the opportunity to meet others better than we found them.” 

Performing Arts teacher AJ Jones ’17 then led fourth and fifth grade students in singing the ICS spirit song, inviting the entire audience to join in and fill the room with school spirit and an enthusiastic cheer. 

To close the ceremony, Dean of Community and Well-Being Danny Haley reflected on the meaning of the word “awe,” considering the vastness of the universe and the incredible rarity of human life. He marveled at how each of us has a unique mind and heart with the ability to think, love, create, and experience the world. Mr. Haley ended the assembly with a message to remember: "Let’s make this a year of pride and reflection. Be proud of how awesome you are, and how awesome your classmates and teachers are. Together, let’s have an awesome year."