1792 or 1793?
By John Bishop
Each fall, on Founders' Day, Lawrence Academy celebrates the anniversary of its founding in 1792 and incorporation in 1793.
Despite the latter year being ubiquitous on current LA apparel, the school's actual age remains a matter of opinion, and LA legend Dick Jeffers P'84, '86 himself created cheeky ball caps adorned with "1792."
So, earlier this week, we spoke to LA archivist Paul Husted '64 — the late Jeffers's long-standing protege (the pair worked side-by-side for years in the Jeffers Heritage Center) — to see what Paul thought from his perch in the archives in the Ansin Building.
"The founders signed the document (which we have in the archives) in 1792 pledging the money to start the academy and reasons for having an academy," wrote Paul via email. "We were formally incorporated in 1793.
"Technically, we became a corporate entity and began providing classroom teaching in 1793, but our origin was in 1792.
"So, we were conceived in 1792 and born in 1793," concluded Husted, adding, "I would say that we should use the 1793 date."
Okay, so that settles that.
Maybe?
The next day, Paul wrote, "On second thought, since the founders signed the founding document in 1792, we should use that date."
Hence, Director of Dining Peter Casperson put "Happy 232nd Birthday" on today's official cake in the Gray Building.
But we digress. There's a vital ceremony to account for, and Founders' Day certainly isn't about a date.
Founders' Day 2024
LA is more than a date or a building. It's a collection of people—a special community. And Founders' Day is when we come together as one entity, all of whom were Spartans at one time or another.
"It's an occasion for celebrating," said Head of School Dan Scheibe P'23 (returning for the day from sabbatical). "We welcome all the characters [of our story] into the room.
"And what makes us special is the people we are," added Mr. Scheibe.
As such, the full breadth of Lawrence Academy stretched its proverbial legs and rushed to embrace the many beautiful folks who have served and represented the school so well, meeting in the Richardson-Mees Performing Arts Center (RMPAC).
After Mr. Scheibe's prologue, Associate Head of School Raquel Majeski P'25 feted five community members:
- Greater Good Award
Sally Hu ’25
Presented by Cum Laude Society Members
- Kathy Peabody Memorial Book Award
Carl Anderson
Presented by Spartan Leaders
- Departmental Chair for Excellence in Teaching
Steven Engstrom
Presented by Christine Torigian
- Founders' Day Award for Service to Lawrence Academy
Dr. Anthony F. Coston and Dr. Francine Rudd Coston P'20, '24
Peruse the Program