The Director of Student Life works closely with students to organize interesting activities both on and off campus. Sponsored events include dances, on- and off-campus film events, and trips to museums, galleries, concerts, performances, and other cultural events taking place in the Greater Boston area. All students and faculty are invited to make suggestions for weekend entertainment and outings. Students remaining on campus during the weekend are encouraged to participate. Though designed with boarding students in mind, the weekend activities are intended for the enjoyment of all Walnut Hill students, and day students are encouraged to participate as fully as they can.
Each dormitory is responsible for sponsoring some on-campus weekend activities during the year. The Dorm President plays an important part in the planning and advertising of the activities.
Occasionally, activities may require advance purchase of tickets. In such cases, students must remember to sign up before the deadline. Once a student signs up and therefore reserves a ticket, he or she is responsible for paying for the ticket that has been requested. If the student is unable to attend, it is that student’s responsibility to find someone to replace him or her and to notify the Director of Student Life. If a replacement is not found, the student will be billed for the ticket(s) ordered.
Clubs and Organizations
The Assistant Dean of Students works closely with club and organization leaders to organize and provide thoughtful programming for the School. Each club and organization is responsible for sponsoring some on-campus weekend activity.
AIDS ACTION COMMITTEE
This committee, open to all students, faculty, and staff, raises funds for AIDS education and prevention. All funds are donated to the Boston AIDS Action Committee. Each spring a student is appointed chairperson, who helps to initiate AIDS education on campus.
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
Walnut Hill carries a chapter of Amnesty International, the worldwide movement that works to promote observance of the fundamental human rights as set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The group implements letter-writing campaigns on behalf of specific prisoners of conscience and raises the community’s general awareness of human rights issues.
COMMUNITY SERVICE ASSOCIATION (CSA)
One of the oldest Walnut Hill institutions, the Community Service Association is responsible for such activities as organizing clothing drives, coordinating Daffodil Days for the American Cancer Society, performing volunteer work at a local soup kitchen, participating in Project Bread’s “Walk for Hunger,” and visiting local nursing homes. Each spring a president is appointed for the following year.
EMERGE
A diverse artistic community is essential not only for the individual creative process, but also because the arts help people understand, appreciate, and celebrate difference. EMERGE is a campuswide student organization that welcomes and encourages all students to promote diversity and multiculturalism within the School’s community. EMERGE organizes activities and supports these issues by sponsoring discussion groups and opportunities for students to become involved in issues of diversity both at the School and in the communities beyond Walnut Hill.
ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB
Environmental Club is open to all students and faculty who are interested in environmental issues, including recycling, beautifying the campus, and promoting environmental education for the community.
Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA)
As part of Walnut Hill’s ongoing commitment to supporting its diverse community of straight, gay, and bisexual students and faculty, GSA provides educational and social activities for the entire community.
GOLD KEY
Gold Key members are selected by current Gold Key students and faculty each year for outstanding citizenship, with particular emphasis on general helpfulness and interest in others. Gold Key is especially concerned with service and maintaining school traditions. Gold Key members are often asked to meet with visitors to the School. Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) Walnut Hill carries a chapter of SADD, the movement that works to promote awareness around a variety of issues, including teen drinking, drug use, and other self-destructive behaviors. Activities include educational forums, presentations by guest speakers, and field trips.
YEARBOOK
Participation on the Yearbook staff involves hard work, organization, and commitment. It requires keeping a close eye on the activities of the School while working hard to document special events, everyday activities, dormitory life—indeed, everything that comprises life at Walnut Hill. Each spring a Yearbook Editor is appointed for the following year.
