Harbor Country Day School Celebrates 60 Years of “Embracing the Extraordinary in Every Child”
St. James, NY - April 25, 2018 - On March 23, Harbor Country Day School celebrated its 60th anniversary with a “Diamond Jubilee” celebration at the majestic Flowerfield in St. James.
Current and Former Trustees Celebrate Harbor Country Day School. Photo Credit: Harbor Country Day School
Nearly 250 guests gathered at the premier catering venue to celebrate the independent school’s diamond anniversary. Guests included current and former faculty and staff, members of the board of trustees, parents of current and former students, and alumni from nearly every decade the school has been in operation.
Gala Co-Chairs Cynthia Wong Lippe and Andrea Dagnelli Cristobal. Photo Credit: Harbor Country Day School
In addition to honoring the school’s milestone year, guests feted the Malcolm Smith, Jr. family, one of Harbor Country Day School’s inaugural families and descendants of Richard Smith, who settled the town of Smithtown in 1665.Attendees also celebrated Mrs. Natalie Scheyer, who served as Harbor Country Day’s first grade teacher for 29 years – the longest tenure of any teacher since the school was founded in 1958.
Harbor Country Day School alumni. Photo Credit: Harbor Country Day School
“Eighteen families joined forces in 1958 to create an educational opportunity for their children that was different from anything available in their community at the time,” said Harbor Country Day Head of School John Cissel. “When Harbor Country Day School opened its doors for the first time on September 12 of that year, I wonder if those families knew they were building something so special – so extraordinary – that we would be here celebrating its existence 60 years later.”
Head of School John Cissel honors Helen and Jennifer Smith. Photo Credit: Harbor Country Day School
Mr. Cissel continued, “I suspect they must have known, because although much has changed since 1958, the mission – to cherish childhood, cultivate wonder and inspire confident learners and leaders -- has remained the same so many years later, with children at the center of everything Harbor does.”
About Harbor Country Day School
Founded in 1958 by conscientious parents, Harbor Country Day School is an independent, co-educational day school for children from preschool through 8th grade situated in St. James’ Village of Head of the Harbor. The school employs a whole-child approach to education, wherein its rigorous curriculum is supported by a broad program in its academic, athletic, advisory, and visual and performing arts departments designed to develop all aspects of each child's talents and interests. Harbor Country Day School’s summer camp program, Camp Harbor, is among the leading summer camp programs on Long Island. The school’s mission to “cherish childhood, cultivate wonder, and inspire confident learners and leaders” underscores every child’s experience at Harbor Country Day School and ensures that all of its graduates are prepared to lead fulfilling lives filled with wonder, confidence, and many successes.
Harbor Country Day School is chartered by the New York State Board of Regents and is accredited by and a member of the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS). It is a non-sectarian, nonprofit organization under section 501(c) (3) of the IRS Code governed by a self-perpetuating board of trustees. For more information, visit www.hcdsny.org.