Thank you for making SBS a better place

The following speech was delivered by Natalia during the 1869 Society Dinner in October 2022. It is the perfect Coda to this issue of the bulletin.

My name is Natalia and I am from Honduras. I am a member of the Community Service and Business Clubs, secretary of the Student Alumnae Relations Society, captain of the tennis and volleyball teams, and an Resident Assistant in the junior-senior hallway. As a six-year senior, I have witnessed the overall changes to our campus and how that positively impacts students. I’d like to thank you for making sure that students like me have the benefit of pleasant spaces to learn and live on this campus.

The changes I have seen since I first arrived on campus in 2017 have made my time at SBS better and offered me new opportunities. As I reflect on my eighth-grade year, I recall how busy the gym constantly was. Every Sunday, the same seven people, including me, had to share the only treadmill and elliptical, resulting in long waits. Additionally, due to the limited space, we were forced to exercise very close to one another. However, due to your assistance and donations, it was possible to expand the room, providing extra space and equipment. Now, multiple students can use the gym simultaneously without feeling uncomfortable or having to wait for available equipment. There is adequate space for individuals to lift weights, practice yoga, stretch, or run on the treadmills. We’ve even added fitness as a new sport for the winter!

The Geissler Gallery has become one of my favorite places on campus. I enjoy how peaceful and pleasant the space is to practice my piano, work on my weaving projects, and complete my homework while I study under the skylights. The new renovations have made the space feel even more welcoming and many events have been hosted there, taking advantage of the new “look”. The contrast of the new carpet and repainted walls beautifully display student artwork. And The new sliding glass doors lighten and enhance the interior. I’m looking forward to celebrating 100 Nights in Geissler Gallery with my classmates as it is now a perfect backdrop for SBS traditions.

Your donations have also made it possible for SBS to build the new white paddocks by the barn. In preparing to talk to you tonight, I learned that the new paddocks are safer for the horses AND the barn staff. These paddocks have an automatic and heated watering system, so riders don’t have to bring large containers of water outside and worry about them freezing during the winter. On top of all that, the surface of these paddocks has excellent drainage so when it rains, SBS horses do not have to stand in mud. Also, they now attract students to visit the stables more frequently and inspire them to draw and take pictures with the horses. As one of my classmates said, “The renovated paddocks have made the horses’ and riders’ experience more pleasant. I sincerely appreciate the alumnae’s enthusiasm and support for the riding program.”

I have cherished every opportunity and amazing experience I’ve had at SBS over the course of my six years here — in the dorms, in sports, in my classes, at dinner, and so on. I have grown a lot since I first set foot on our campus and I believe the School has grown with me. I am very grateful for my journey here starting in middle school and all through high school and I am excited to soon become an SBS Alumna. I, along with the rest of the StoneleighBurham community, appreciate your generosity and support through your contributions, making the student experience better. Thank you so much for joining us this evening and I hope you will enjoy the rest of the night.

BY NATALIA '23