The Form VI ‘Letter to Your Younger Self’ Chapel has become a core tradition at the beginning of seniors’ final semester. This year, a diverse set of speakers spoke about the joys, struggles, and memorable moments that shaped their Belmont Hill experience. Ultimately, the speeches served as a helpful reminder to appreciate every minute of one’s Belmont Hill journey.
Alex Zhang ’26 kicked off the Chapel with an important message about authenticity. He encouraged Form I students to “Let your walls down, and be genuine and open with other people.” He then touched upon an injury that was embarrassing in the moment, but was soon forgotten by every member of the current Senior Class. He finished with a joke, in classic Alex frankness: “Enjoy the late-night homework grinds, because, yes, I am currently writing this at 11 pm the night before I have to read it in front of the entire school.”
Second, Sammy Flood ’26, a varsity wrestler known for his exceptional work across the humanities, encouraged us to be our authentic selves in his reflection. In a world filled with increasing self-doubt and insecurity, Sammy grounded his advice in a simple but freeing reminder: “You have to realize that nobody cares.” With this, there was something liberating: if everyone is caught up in their own lives, we might as well live ours without apology. Discussing the little moments of Belmont Hill life, Sammy recalled some of his lasts: Sitting on the second floor of Hamilton Chapel, BEL-1 bus rides, and 4:00 study halls.
Réis Little ’26, a varsity football quarterback, followed up the first two stellar pieces with relatable memories for students who reclassed. Réis then transitioned his letter into a reminder to the current Freshmen: “You will make mistakes, get Saturdays, be late to dinner by a minute even though you’re sure you left on time. But these problems you face now are necessary for you to develop into a man.” Réis’s powerful speech reminded us that everybody errs, and that life is about doing everything to get back up stronger than when you fell down.
In a deeply personal speech, Eli Warn ’26 talked of the fleeting nature of many things in life. He reflected, “You have already faced some with dad’s cancer diagnosis and surgery, and life will continue to try and beat you down any way possible, and it is very important that you keep going even in the toughest times.” He added two failures: A 38% on Dr. Goldberg’s first AP Biology test and getting cut from varsity baseball that spring. Still, he requested, true to his outgoing ways, “Don’t play the victim and get caught up in life’s unfairness, and instead focus on taking life’s punches with a smile on your face.”
Jack Bartlett ’26 offered some sage wisdom to the boys pushing through the hardest winter of their academic careers. He reminded the Juniors to “find comfort in your own humility through celebrating little victories.” He added to “never lose your optimism; it will get you through the year. So will your friends.” This important reminder is relevant for all Belmont Hill students!
Last, Mr. Al Murphy ’98 gave his stellar advice to this year’s Class of 2026. He encouraged Seniors to enjoy the moment but also get ready for the big change after graduation: “Life is fun right now, and you should soak up every second of that joy…the transition from high school to college will present challenges you haven’t yet imagined.” He offered Seniors some key points as they finish their Belmont Hill Careers: Be yourself, lead with kindness, be a servant leader, spread joy, and practice gratitude.
The Belmont Hill community thanks this year’s speakers for offering such touching and real reflections; we are all the better for them. Surely, next year will bring an equally emotional slate of letters!
