In just its second year, the Form VI letters to their younger selves chapels have already established themselves as a core part of a class’s legacy to the school. This year, a diverse set of speakers that included varsity athletes, musicians, and an alumnus gave speeches that touched on 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 the journey.
First, Yareh Constant ’25 wrote to his Form I self. Despite struggling to meet the legacy of his successful older brother, he assured himself that “everything will be alright.” Yareh’s speech highlighted a universal Belmont Hill Form I experience. “Chill out on the milk and cookies,” he requested. He reminded his past self to remain committed to his unique and authentic passions, telling himself to “Keep loving cows.”
Dylan Doherty’s ’25 reflection referenced many younger students’ doubts about Belmont Hill, similar to his experience. He also reminded the chapel that “everyone you meet faces their own unique set of challenges.” He explained how his future at Belmont Hill would be laced with failures and successes; according to him, the most challenging parts of high school are what makes the man with the most character.
Form III is hard. High school is hard. But few remember just how hard the transition was. Jamari Robinson ’25 perfectly captured it: “Enjoy every second with the basketball team, even if you’re stuck on the bench.” Though we all spend time “on the bench” literally or figuratively, we must push through. In his words, “Doubt keeps you from progressing.” Jamari reminded Belmont Hill students to keep their heads up and to enjoy every second: “Time moves faster than you think.”
In Form IV, Miles Fritz ’25 “[hadn’t] quite figured it out yet.” He explained that he even considered moving to his public high school due to his social, academic, and athletic struggles. Miles’s brave speech reflected on the year he felt his Belmont Hill journey changed for the better: he found a supportive friend group alongside activities that brought him joy. Now at the end of his successful Belmont Hill career, he reflected: “It’s important to recognize the steps you have taken to get to this point. But it’s over before you know it.”
Reflecting on just last year, Jin Lee ’25 asked his somewhat younger self to “find enjoyment in the little things you do.” He urged this year’s Form V to stay focused and have fun during their most challenging year at Belmont Hill. He ended, “Keep at it, and don’t be afraid of a different path or opportunity.”
Mr. George Sullivan ’07 closed these remarks. He primarily reflected on the lies he unknowingly told himself as a senior at Belmont Hill: what was ‘cool’ and the life path he ‘needed’ to take. “There’s a lot you’re wrong about,” he joked. Mr. Sullivan recognized, though, that this is, in fact, normal. Looking back, he appreciates that “you won’t actually come to regret any of this.” He capped his speech off by reassuring that “you’ll actually end up being okay. It’s all going to go terribly, terribly wrong, and I promise you, buddy, you wouldn’t want it any other way.”
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 boys!
