Mountain Day 2011

Today was the celebration of Martha Berry's birthday, known to Berry folks as Mountain Day.  It's difficult to describe if you have never experienced it firsthand.  For Berry students & alumni it ushers in the fall season in a way that others don't understand.  Mountain Day  is the equivalent of homecoming, but without a football game!  I hope the latter doesn't happen, but there is talk of adding it as a sport.

I don't think I've missed a single Mountain Day since 1978.  We've had soccer games, and band competitions that occur, but I have always managed to attend the big event.  It helps that I live 20 minutes away.  I love seeing former students, and catching up with what they are doing.  It's usually a quick conversation, but it gives me that glimpse into their lives.  

There are some alums that return every year, and others that rarely attend.  Since Randy & I are both alumni we have old friends that we occasionally see, but we typically hang out with the younger crowd.  The kids who are returning with their dogs and/or children.  The kids that sat at our table.  The ones who taught our kids in youth at church.  The kids that we attended their weddings. The kids that I taught in piano class or accompanied.  It's always wonderful to see them after  they have moved beyond the Berry bubble!

Today was Alyssa's last Mountain Day before joining the ranks as an alumni.  The past two years she has played in the band, but today, like her freshman year - she marched  in the Grand March.  It was a beautiful fall day, a bit windy - but otherwise perfect. 

Here are pictures from today's Grand March.  For those non-Berry folks, here is my best explanation of the Grand March.  Berry students gather on the mountain campus and tromp up & down a hill.  They put pennies in a basket as a gift in memory of founder, Martha Berry. When they have come down the hill in ranks of 16 across they sing the Alma Mater.  All the while, the band plays, family members watch & fun is had by all.

Rebecca & Caitlyn, good friends! Rebecca 's mom was at Berry with me.

 Alyssa making a silly face.

 The lovely Amelia (blonde w/ sunglasses) & Rachel on their first trip up the hill!

 Noah Stricklen dropping nerds in dad's hair while he watches the Grand March

 Jonathan Surls, head RA at Dana...just like his dad. Love the family connections at Berry!

The annual family photo from Mountain Day!  It's a great family tradition & one that Carrie hopes to continue next year.