May Day is Principal's Day!
May 1, 2008
Principal Ty Tingley and students toast Principal's Day
Principal's Day is a longstanding tradition at Exeter. It's a surprise day off from classes, giving students a chance to unwind and relax in early spring.
Each year, the timing and announcement of Principal's Day is kept a close secret by the Principal's Office. The delivery of the message is half the fun.
Thirsty students got their first taste of the news yesterday at lunch when they reached for a bottle of soda. The bottle labels, sporting a picture of the Academy Building, read: "Tomorrow, May 1st 2008 is Principal's Day." Students could pick the flavor of the message – orange, cola, fruit punch and lime. Thirst slaked, many students cheered at the news, or picked up a cell phone to spread the message. Soon, everyone was toasting the announcement. "Everyone seemed very happy," says Bobbie Jameson of Dining Services, who observed the students as they entered the dining hall.
Today's beautiful weather is the ideal backdrop for outdoor activities and a bit of serendipitous R&R. Temperatures are expected to reach 60 degrees.
Principal's Day started under Exeter's ninth principal, William G. Saltonstall (1946 – 1963). Originally dubbed "St. Gurdon's Day" (after Saltonstall's middle name, Gurdon), the tradition continues today as a celebration of spring, and a day to recoup and relax.
In previous years, Ty Tingley has hired a plane to fly over campus with a banner heralding the news. He's also used the marquee of the Ioka (a landmark in the town of Exeter), fortune cookies and yo-yos. Last year, it was M&M's, printed with: "Tomorrow Is Prncpl's Day!"
This year, Dining Services staff worked with local Conner Bottling Works, manufacturer of Squamscot Old Fashioned Beverages, to create the custom labels.
