This Fall, the Belmont Hill community gained a new, bright, smiling face. James Gray, an exchange student from Bishops Diocesan College in Cape Town, South Africa, has quickly accustomed himself to Belmont Hill life and will remain with us until December.
Back home, James is a talented, multi-sport athlete who plays cricket and rugby, but his favorite sport is field hockey. His talents extend beyond the fields, however, as he is also rumored to be a virtuoso at piano and violin.
Currently, James is staying with Ben Smolenski ’29, and he seems to have quickly settled into this new home: “James has been an absolute treat to have around the house. He’s really taking part in our family life.” However, to Ben’s dismay, in November, he will lose his newfound brother, as James will move to Miles Keller’s ’29 house. Nevertheless, James says, “Thank you so much, Ben and Miles, for your generosity in welcoming me into your homes.”
James says the welcome has exceeded his expectations. “I am amazed at how quickly I felt a part of the BH community,” he said. “I have made countless new friends both in the classroom and on the soccer field.”
In the classroom, James is taking on a challenging course load, but his favorite class is Advanced Pre-Calculus with Mr. Speer. When asked to come up with one single complaint about Belmont Hill, James joked, “Mr. Bracken ’15 sometimes talks a bit too fast.”
When he returns to Cape Town, James said he will miss our daily Milk and Cookies the most. Before he heads home, be sure to give him a warm greeting and introduce yourself!
