On Saturday, Oct. 11, Sage Hill hosted its annual Open House. It was the biggest event of the year for prospective families who wanted to get to know Sage Hill School better.

“The most impressive thing about this year’s event was that we had a full-house with over 600 people in attendance. It is amazing to know that so many people are interested in Sage Hill,” said Elaine Mijalis-Khan, director of admission and financial aid.

Families entered the Black Box Theater with the welcoming tunes of student jazz band, “The Torches.” Gordon McNeill, president of Sage Hill School, commenced the presentation, which included speeches by faculty members, students and student ambassador co-hosts.

While teachers informed the audience about the opportunities Sage Hill offers, students like seniors Amir Soleimany and Kekai Whitford spoke of their personal stories as successful athletes. The dance team put on a lively performance in which they showed skill, cohesiveness and mastery of art.

“It was a great experience dancing with the professional male dancers and Dance Ensemble! The day was super exciting and parents and incoming freshmen had lots of fun touring the school and watching the performances,” sophomore Becca Roque said.

Alumna Sydney Endicott (‘14) came to the event to talk about her time at Sage Hill. Now that she is attending the University of Southern California (USC) and pursuing her dream as an actress, she said she truly felt that Sage Hill really supported this endeavor. The school allowed her to grow not only as an actress, but also as a person and student, Endicott said.

While students at Sage Hill may be involved rigorous sports or spend hours after school at theatre or dance rehearsals, they still manage to excel academically. “Your child will not disappear here,” Patricia Merz, head of school, said to the audience.

After the presentation, a pool of families headed over to the tents situated in Wilkins Town Square. There, families had the opportunity to converse with teachers and faculty members and understand the different departments, courses and programs that Sage Hill offers.

Even at Open House, current and past students represented what Sage Hill’s presentation was all about. Student Ambassadors helped facilitate the whole event by talking to prospective families about their personal experiences.

Teachers, students and alumni were not required to take part in Open House. They volunteered their time to make Open House happen. “One of the biggest things prospective families comment on is our student ambassadors. Whether they were the student hosts in the presentations, talked to families about Student Life, or gave out campus tours, we are so grateful for them and their dedication,” Mijalis-Khan remarked.