SALISBURY — Students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni and friends of the school gathered around the flag pole recently as their founder raised the 20th anniversary flag to honor the school’s history and look forward to its future.
Salisbury Academy honored founding head of school Georgi Agner Goss during the school’s weekly chapel assembly.
“November is the perfect month for this ceremony because we are focusing on the virtue of gratitude,” said Head of School Diane Fisher.
Students, alumni and teachers expressed their gratitude for the school and many thanked Agner Goss personally for her role in the school’s success.
Junior kindergarten teacher Sandy Jordan, who has taught at Salisbury Academy 17 years, reminisced about the early years, commenting that Agner Goss had a vision and did everything possible to make it come true when some believed it was not possible.
Melissa Brown, a reading specialist who was hired by Agner Goss in 1996, remembers her working night and day to seek the best educators for students. “Thank you for your vision,” she said.
Middle School Division Head Heather Coulter, a 16-year veteran, thanked Agner Goss for taking a chance on a young teacher so many years ago.
“She introduced me to what would become a passion for my life,” she said. “She inspired me to set high expectations for my students and for myself.”
Eighth-grade student Thomas Cummings addressed the student body, saying that he is thankful for teachers who are passionate about their subjects and give personal attention to every student. He described Salisbury Academy as “a loving and peaceful environment where technology makes learning fun.”
Fifth-grade student Jessica Jensen also spoke about her experience at Salisbury Academy, describing it as one she will remember forever.
Alumnus Ryan Habeeb spoke to the student body telling them of his fond memories and urging them to soak in every moment. “Take everything you can out of this place because Salisbury Academy has so much to give,” he said.
Among those in attendance were Paul Carter, charter board member and long-time supporter, and Digna Freirich, parent of one of Salisbury Academy’s original 13 students and grandmother of two current students.
Following the chapel assembly, students, staff and guests filed outside, where Agner Goss and Fisher lowered the former school flag and raised the new 20th anniversary flag.
“Not a day goes by when we don’t think about Georgi and her vision for Salisbury Academy. And what we do day-to-day truly does encompass the heart of that vision,” said Fisher. “It’s wonderful to have her back on campus for this special moment in our history. It gives us inspiration for many more memorable decades.”