By Lisa ’26
Every year in May, Harvard-Westlake school welcomes a group of special and honored guests -students’ grandparents. A day when the elderly tales of wisdom meet the bubbling energy of youth, and the corridors echo with the laughter of two generations reliving memories and creating new ones.
My grandparents travelled from China to be a part of this special occasion. Their arrival on the school was met with warm welcome from Mr. Commons, making them instantly feel at home.
After all the elders gather at our school, their day began in our Saperstein Theater. To start with, Mr. Commons, President of Harvard-Westlake school, and Mr. Wimbish, Head of Middle School, delivered heartfelt welcome speeches and introduced our school to the elders at this special occasion. It celebrated the wisdom, experiences, and love grandparents bring into our lives. Their presence was acknowledged as a bridge between the past and the future, reminding us of our roots and traditions. Then, HW MS symphony joined with the Madrigal choir to put on a grand performance of the song “Summertime”. The air was filled with harmonious melodies and soulful voices of the two strong ensembles. The applause at the end was deafening.
The real experience began when my grandparents, with the excitement , accompanied me to my classes. We sat side by side, sharing a desk, as they got a glimpse into my daily school life. Our teachers all gave warm welcomes to our grandparents. I could see the twinkle in their eyes as they scribbled notes and asked questions. This shared experience, for me, was the epitome of bridging generations.
Lunch was also an affair to remember. Outside our cafeteria, a buffet spread awaited. Amidst laughter and stories, we shared a meal, not only as a family but with the broader HW community of grandparents who had come to visit. The chatter, filled with stories of past and the dreams of today, was a testimony to the timeless bond between grandparents and grandchildren.
However, the cherry on top of this remarkable day was a personal accomplishment. I had written a poem dedicated to my beloved grandparents. To my surprise, the school chose to distribute it as a gift to all the visiting grandparents. Holding that printed poem, seeing the joy in my grandparents’ eyes, and knowing that my words were reaching so many hearts, filled me with an indescribable pride.
Grandparents’ Day wasn’t just a day of celebration. It was a day of connections, of bridging the old with the new, and of cherishing the timeless love our grandparents can provide. As I waved goodbye to my grandparents at the end of the day, my heart was filled with gratitude for the memory they continue to pass down.
It’s often said that school days are the bests in one’s life. This rings true, not just for students but also for their families. This sentiment was never more evident than during Grandparents’ Day at our school.
To all the loved Grandparents:
Their blood runs through our veins,
Their root we inherit,
Their wisdom and their wealth,
We carry forward without limit.
Under their loving shelter,
We grow strong and wise,
They are our mentor,
And our lighthouse.
Guided by their experience,
We reach for the skies.
With gratitude in our hearts,
We honor their sacrifice,
For the love and care they’ve given,
For we are the continuation,
Of their impressive stories,
And we’ll carry on their memory,
With strength, and dignity.
