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On Tuesday, the Gunn community participated in School Walk, a tradition inspired by Frederick and Abigail Gunn, who led their students on a 42-mile walk from Washington to Milford, Connecticut, in 1861 and 1863. In the 1870s, the school shifted its focus closer to home, establishing a summer camp at Point Beautiful on Lake Waramaug. School Walk, held each year on a date close to Mr. Gunn's birthday (October 4), commemorates these historic events and our founder’s love of nature.
“They hiked, they camped, they sang songs,” said Associate Head of School Seth Low P’26 ’28, who announced the date of this year’s School Walk to students at School Meeting on October 2. The date is traditionally kept secret for the fun of surprising students with a day off from classes. Speaking about the historic events that continue to inspire School Walk today, Low reminded students: “In taking part in the School Walk, you are joining in this tradition, connecting you to generations of Gunn students. You are joining a long line of students who have stepped out of their day-to-day routine to convene with friends, to convene with nature, and connect in some very special ways to this place — Washington and Steep Rock, which have been the backyard for The Frederick Gunn School for 175 years.”
As part of Steep Rock Association’s 100th Anniversary Celebration, honoring the history, people, and places that shaped our community, students and faculty attended a special presentation, “The Legacy of Frederick Gunn and Ehrick Rossiter.” This event was held in TPACC on the evening before School Walk, along with a celebration on the Koven-Jones Glade featuring bagpiper Jesse Ofgang.
